About Baptism at TMP
What is water baptism?It is a spiritually meaningful, symbolic ceremony that publicly shows our desire to obey God and to follow Jesus.
Why do we baptize?
Jesus commanded us to baptize (Matthew 28:19-20), and we are following His example when we do it (Mark 1:9). It is a symbol of how we were spiritually buried with Him and raised for new life when we accepted His salvation.
Is baptism part of salvation?
No. We are saved by faith and God's grace, not by any religious works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is to salvation what a wedding ceremony is to a marriage. The wedding doesn't legally make anyone married - that happens by the signing of a marriage license as witnessed by a church leader or court official. Baptism, like a wedding ceremony, is a public display of our love for someone- in this case, Jesus!
Why is baptism done publicly?
Almost all of the biblical examples of baptism show people doing it in public (Acts2:41), because we are not to be ashamed of Jesus when we have become Christians. We would want to share our joyous decision with family, friends, and our church.
Why do we baptize by immersion?
As we read the New Testament, we see people being taken down into water and brought back up (Matthew 3:16, Acts 8:38-39). The Greek word 'baptizo' means to immerse. Immersion is a picture of being buried and raised to new life in salvation (Romans 6:4). In a lot of Christian churches throughout history, the format of baptism has been a major doctrinal issue. At TMP, we are more concerned with our heart attitude towards Jesus. At the same time, we want to practice scripture as closely as we understand it.
Who can baptize?
In the New Testament, we usually see church leaders baptizing (John 4:1-2, Acts 10:47-48, 16:33). Our pastors baptize, and will occasionally invite others and family members to participate.
How soon should I be baptized?
In the New Testament, we see people being baptized immediately after salvation, as a first and public step of obedience to Jesus (Acts 2:41, 8:38-39, 10:47-48). We would encourage you to be baptized as close as possible to your date of salvation. There is no scriptural reason for waiting.
What if I was baptized before I made a personal decision to follow Jesus Christ?
Since baptism is a first step of obedience after salvation, the first time may have been a well-meant, but only religious activity. Or, maybe you were baptized as an infant which may have been very meaningful for your parents. We don't want to take anything away from their memory of that experience. We'd just say that this time... its your memory. Your decision. Your experience. We would invite you to be baptized again as a new Christian.
What if I was not immersed for baptism?
Although the method of baptism is not a deal breaker for us, we really do desire to practice the pattern found in the New Testament. So, we would invite you to be baptized by immersion.
How often can I be baptized?
In the New Testament, baptism is seen as a first-step, one-time ceremony. Since it is not a magical action that brings salvation or makes us closer to God, we would encourage you to not confuse yourself or others by being baptized more than once.
Should infants be baptized?
Although scripture shows Jesus welcoming and blessing children, it does not show Him baptizing infants, nor are there any passages that show or command this practice. Since baptism is a step of obedience after salvation, and since (due to mental development) infants cannot make that spiritual choice, we do not baptize them. We do, however, dedicate infants (1 Samuel 1:27-28). This is a special commitment ceremony where the parents and the church pledge together to spiritually nurture the infant as he or she grows, and we pray for their eventual salvation.
Can children be baptized?
In the New Testament, new converts to Christianity are those who were baptized. If a child has understood and accepted salvation, then there is no reason that they should not be baptized.
What is the history of baptism?
John the Baptist began preaching for people to repent, and to show that inward heart change through an outward action. He baptized people at the Jordan River until he introduced Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus' disciples continued the practice of baptism, Jesus commanded all of His followers to practice it, and the first churches in the book of Acts practiced it. It has been an ordinance of Christ's church since then until today.
What happens during baptism?
At TMP, we usually have our baptism services on the beach at Long Lake in Nanaimo. If you wish to be baptized, you’ll get together with someone beforehand who will explain everything to you and answer any questions you might have. Then, on the date, everyone gets together on the beach. You’ll have a chance to share with those who are there why it is your decision to be baptized. Some people like to do this just by talking from the heart, others like to read something they’ve written, and still others like to have someone else read or share something on their behalf. Public speaking is not a prerequisite for baptism! Then, once everyone has had a chance to share, you head off into the water one at a time. You’ll be met by a pastor or whoever will be baptizing you, they’ll dunk you under, and you’ll pop back up... very wet! You’ll be met by someone with a towel back on the beach, and then have a chance to accept well wishes from the people who are there to encourage you.
What do I wear for baptism?
The appropriate attire for baptism at TMP is a non-see thru shirt and shorts. Sweatshirts are sometimes a good idea - and we’ve even had folks wear wetsuits! You will need to bring a change of clothes and a towel.