What is baptism?
Baptism declares to the world you’ve trusted Jesus, joined God’s family, and made a commitment to follow Jesus, heart and soul.
Baptism isn’t required for salvation, but is the first step of faith for believers. The baptismal waters don’t save anyone. It’s Jesus that does that. Baptism is a picture of the work that Jesus has done in a person’s heart.
Baptism illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) It shows our new life as a follower of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Baptism doesn’t make you a believer… it shows that you already believe. Baptism doesn’t save you; Jesus does! Baptism is like a wedding ring, signifying a relationship rather than forming that relationship.
We follow Jesus’ example in baptism. He was baptized (Mark 1:9), and commanded us to be baptized (Matthew 28:19-20).
At Hope Hill, we baptize by immersion. That’s the example we see throughout Scripture, and is the basis for the meaning of the word “baptize,” which means to immerse (or dip under) in water.
Use the button below to let us know that you are ready to be baptized. Someone will get in touch with you shortly with instructions.
Ready to Be Baptized?
If you’re a believer, you should be baptized! It doesn’t matter if you were saved 20 years ago or just last week… it’s time to take the next step in your faith journey
Common Questions About Baptism
What is the significance of baptism?
We believe that baptism is one of the most powerful ways we can carry the name of Jesus to the world, and the first step of obedience, as we follow the example of Jesus through baptism. Baptism symbolizes that our old self is gone (going under the water) and our new self has come (coming above the water) and that we have been made alive in Christ.
Water baptism is a public declaration of three very important things:
- You are a follower of Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:41)
- You are beginning a changed life in Christ. (Romans 6:4)
- You are part of a new family. (Galatians 3:26–27)
Why should I be baptized?
Because you want to follow Christ’s example. Jesus set the example by being baptized and instructs us to be baptized as well. (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1:9).
Obedience to Jesus shows we believe and follow Him. (1 John 2:3). Because Jesus went public about His love for us, we can go public about our love for Him. Being baptized shows that we turn away from a life of sin toward Jesus, the only one who can change us (Acts 2:38-41).
Do you baptize children?
As parents, we can help point our children to Jesus, but they are the ones to decide if they will commit their lives to Him (Romans 10:9). Any instance of baptism follows a person’s decision to trust Jesus for his or her salvation and commitment to follow Him (Acts 10:47-48). At Hope Hill, we wait until children are old enough to express their own decision to follow Jesus and understand the meaning of baptism. We encourage any parents to partner with our Hope Hill Kids and Hope Hill Students ministries to guide your children through these decisions of faith.
At Hope Hill we provide opportunities for child dedication and believer’s baptism. To schedule a child dedication, contact kids@hopehillchurch.org
When should I be baptized?
As soon as you have believed! You shouldn’t put it off. Anyone who commits his or her life to following Jesus is ready to be baptized (Acts 8:12).
We celebrate baptism multiple times a year. We’ll let you know at church on Sundays, through social media and on our website when the next baptism service will be.
What is baptism by immersion?
The way we observe baptism at Hope Hill is called immersion, and it simply means that you’re lowered into the water and then raised back up out of the water. Baptisms in the Bible were by immersion. The original word for baptism most often referred to being immersed or submerged in water. Jesus was baptized by being immersed in the water and rising out of it (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10).
Submersion in the water symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Being lowered into the water represents our death to sin and old way of life, and being raised out of the water is a picture of how Jesus raised us to a new life and gave us a fresh start (Romans 6:3-5).
Do I need to be baptized again?
If you haven’t been baptized by immersion since you decided to follow Jesus, we want to help you take your next step of being baptized. Once you’ve been baptized after deciding to follow Jesus, there’s no need to be baptized again.
Have questions about baptism?
We would love to talk with you.