Baptism

We are excited that you are interested in baptism at a2 Church.  We believe that baptism is an important step of obedience for every person who has made a decision to trust Jesus Christ as the forgiver of their sins and the leader of their life.

Once a person admits that he or she is a sinner and turns to Christ for salvation, the Bible says that a person should proclaim the life change that has occurred.  The watching world needs to know.  Baptism has always stood as a public testimony for people who have moved from being a “seeker” to being a “believer” in Christ.

Believers are those who have realized that their sin has separated them from God.  They have given up all efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity.  They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God.  A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for his or her salvation.

If you have come to this point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized.  Just as a bride and groom tell of their love for one another through the symbol of rings, you should also want to show the world, through baptism, of your union with Christ.  Let the miracle that has happened in you show through the sacrament He ordained for you.

What Baptism Symbolizes

Baptism is a way of showing others that you have entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

  • It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.  When you are lowered into the water, that’s a picture of Jesus’ death and Him being buried in a tomb.  When you come up out of the water, that’s a picture of His mighty resurrection.  Baptism doesn’t just tell your story–it tells the story of Jesus.
  • It illustrates new life as a Christian.  When you go under the water, it’s a picture of your old self being washed away.  As a Christian, your old life is gone, and you’re a brand new person.
  • Baptism doesn’t make you a believer. It shows that you already are a believer.  Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches us that we are saved by faith through grace, not by any action on our part.  Baptism isn’t required for salvation, it’s a symbol that it’s already happened.

Because Jesus instructed us to be baptized, baptism is an act of obedience.  While it is not necessary for salvation, it demonstrates submission to God.  We immerse at a2 Church because we believe Scripture shows that Jesus modeled that for us as the way to publicly acknowledge our faith in Him.  We do recognize, however, that some individuals may request baptism by sprinkling because of a compelling physical reason or disability.  In these cases, we ask that a brief explanation be given on the registration form.

Infant Christening

Some denominations choose to christen infants.  While we recognize the right of other churches to practice infant christening, we understand Scripture to teach that only professing believers qualify for baptism.

In the Bible, we find parents bringing their children to Jesus.  He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them.  But He didn’t baptize them.  Baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation.

If you were baptized as a child, it was the intent of your parents that you would one day be a follower of Christ.  Your baptism as an adult can be viewed as the fulfillment of your parents’ heart.  It in no way repudiates the baptism you received as a child.

What’s the process?

If you are ready to be baptized, you will need to complete the following steps:

Step One:  Complete the Baptism Registration Form. If you intend to be baptized at a2 Church, please complete the a2 Church Water Baptism Registration Form (available at the welcome center).

Step Two: Get Baptized! After receiving your registration form, we will contact you about the next available opportunity to follow the Lord in water baptism at a2 Church.  We look forward to celebrating your baptism.

  • Next Steps