Everyone who is willing to repent of their sins and confess their belief in Christ should be baptized.
MATTHEW 28:19; ACTS 2:38-39
The word for “baptism” in the New Testament is the Greek word baptizo, which means “to immerse in water.” The New Testament says baptism represents the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:1-5). Baptism serves as a symbol of the burial of the old self and the resurrection of the believer’s soul to walk in life with Christ. Therefore, at New Hope, we baptize people by immersing them in water. If you have been sprinkled, we would love to talk to you about why immersion is important.
A person should be baptized at the time he or she trusts in Christ. The Bible teaches we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), but in the New Testament church, a person’s baptism was always the first expression of faith, not separate from it. Therefore, baptism was not just a symbol or a memorial of faith, but was intended to offer a means of union with Christ and a benchmark of transformation, marking the place and time a person made a commitment to Christ (Romans 6:1-8). At New Hope, we are attempting to restore the original intent and practice of baptism. Therefore, we ask a person to be baptized at the point that he or she is ready to make a commitment to Christ.
A person should be baptized to follow the example of Christ (Matthew 3:13-17), to obey Christ’s command (Matthew 28:18), to accept forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), to express trust in Christ (Acts 8:12-13), and to testify to God’s work in his or her life (Romans 6:1-8; Galatians 3:27). The only method by which the human soul can be wiped clean of sin is through the blood of Christ (Hebrews 9:27-10:7), and this “washing away” of sin is most clearly symbolized in the act of baptism (Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21).
The act of baptism cannot save an individual. We are saved only through accepting Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Baptism demonstrates the believer’s acceptance of Christ and is the point of time when the believer receives assurance of his or her faith.
Any person who has trusted in Jesus as the only Son of God and who has willingly been immersed into Christ may become a member of New Hope Christian Church whether the baptism occurred here or elsewhere. Rebaptism is encouraged for those who lack confidence in their initial baptism experience because they don’t remember it, they were coerced, or their heart was not right with God at the time. Anyone who has fallen into sin after having been baptized should repent and seek forgiveness, but rebaptism is not necessary (Acts 8:13-24).
While we do have t-shirts, shorts, and towels available, you may feel more comfortable wearing your own clothes. Bring a colored t-shirt, a pair of shorts, and a towel with you on the day of your baptism. There is a restroom backstage where you can leave your clothing items and change into them as the appropriate time in the service approaches. There will be a staff member who will take care of you and show you everything you need to know when you arrive that morning.
No, you do not have to be baptized during a worship service. There are even examples in the Bible of times where people were not baptized in a worship service setting (Acts 8:38; 16:33). However, we do encourage baptisms during worship services because they provide the opportunity for your baptism to be an example and testimony for someone else to follow. Your baptism might lead to someone else taking this step in their own life.
It is up to you! Perhaps there is a person in your life who has been instrumental in leading you Christ and making the decision to be baptized, and you would like to have them baptize you. All of our staff members are also available and happy to baptize you if that is your preference.
Our prayer is that the next generation is awakened to God’s heart and love for them. We want baptism to be a decision your child can comprehend and step into personally as they follow Jesus with their life. Our Children's Ministry has a resource designed for children to help them come to understand baptism. This resource works best when a parent takes time to work through it with their child. Our Children's Pastor or any of our ministry staff would be happy to meet with you and your child if you would like more guidance on when your child might be ready for baptism.
Each year, New Hope has a special "Baby Dedication" Sunday where we have parents and infants voluntarily come forward to be prayed over and to make a commitment before the church family that they are committed to raising their child in Christ and in the church. This is NOT to be confused with the practice of Infant Baptism practiced in some churches. At New Hope, we do not practice Infant Baptism. In following the biblical examples of baptism, it is a choice made by an individual in obedience to the command of Christ. An infant is not capable of making such a decision. It is not the act of baptism that saves a person, but the conscious decision to put one's faith in Jesus Christ.
