Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ Acts 2:38
BAPTISM
Baptism is always a highly anticipated event for us. The stories that we get to hear are simply incredible. You may have been feeling the prompting of the Holy Spirit and you may have been praying about getting baptized, but you've got some questions. Read below what Salt Church believes baptism is, what it isn't, and next steps to take on your way to getting baptized.
WHAT BAPTISM IS
It is a command
Jesus commanded in Matthew 28, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". Baptism is not optional to Jesus, it’s a command for every Christian.
It is a sign
Baptism preaches the truth about Jesus' work in your life. It's a public profession of your faith that He has changed you and you have dedicated your life to Him. It's a sign that puts the gospel on display for all to see.
It is a celebration
1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free.” This means that not only have you been united with Christ but you’ve been united with the church. It means that the church family has a new member!
WHAT BAPTISM IS NOT
It’s not necessary for salvation
We believe that baptism is an outward symbol of an inward reality. In other words, baptism shows you and others what God has already done on the inside. Ephesians 2:8-9 says: For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
It’s not for perfect people
There is not a standard you have to meet before you get baptized. The only thing is that you have completely trusted your life to Jesus Christ, that He is your lord and savior and that you are no longer living for yourself but living for Him.
It doesn’t add anything to your salvation
There's nothing you can do to make God love you more & there's nothing you can do to make God love you less. Baptism won't make God love you more or get you closer to God. Instead, Baptism shows that God has already come close to you through the love of Jesus.
When should you get baptized?
Here at Salt Church we practice believer’s baptism. The pattern of Scripture is believers who make a conscious choice to dedicate their lives to Jesus. (Acts 2:37-41) If you are ready to proclaim that Jesus has saved you, then we encourage you to fill out a Baptism Application (see below) and join us during the Sunday gathering so that we can all celebrate your baptism together!
How does Salt Church baptize?
The Greek word for Baptism is “Baptizo” which means immerse or submerge. This definition fits with Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:16) as well as all of the baptisms we see John the Baptist performing. Therefore, our mode of baptism that we find to be the most biblical is submerging you fully into water.