Midland Evangelical Church

Why get baptized by immersion?

The answer to this question is simple and clear in the Bible —Jesus commands Christians to identify with Him through the waters of baptism. The Greek word for baptism means to “cover” or to “submerge.” According to the Bible, Baptism is a matter of obedience. Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River to set an example for us.

Baptism is a public announcement that a person has repented and committed their life to Christ as Savior. In this sense it is similar to a graduation ceremony in high school or college. The ceremony itself does not entitle the person to graduate. The ceremony is simply a time to declare what has happened behind the scenes. Likewise, baptism is a time to declare that something important has happened, and that something is when a person has repented and surrendered their life to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Baptism is commanded of us once we have become a Christian! Listen to how clearly the Bible sets forth the order: repentance first—then baptism:

Repentance First – Then Baptism

Acts 2:38 "Repent and be baptized, every one of you . . ."
Acts 2:41 "Those who accepted his message were baptized. . ."
Acts 8:12 "But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God. . .they were baptized."

The pattern throughout the New Testament is:

• Private commitment, and then
• Public announcement through baptism.

Jesus always calls a person to go public after trusting Him as Savior. The first step of going public is immersion under water. Many refer to this as “Believers = Baptism,” or, more accurately, “Believer” baptism in the singular.

John the Baptist

John the Baptist spoke about the absolute necessity of repenting of sin and declaring it publicly by being baptized. His words, "I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit" (Mark 1:8) indicate John’s baptism of repentance could not take away sin—only Jesus can do that. Even John’s baptisms were a visual portrait of a burying or washing away of the sinful self and rising to a new change or direction of life.

The Baptism of Jesus

It was important to Jesus that He be baptized by John before His public ministry began. At first, John resisted Jesus' request because he knew that no one was greater than Jesus. Jesus insisted on being baptized in order to "fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:14). To Jesus, it was proper to reaffirm His resolution to do his Father's will and be the one "to take away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). As an example to us, Jesus’ first step to going public was baptism by immersion.

Who was Baptized in the Bible?

• Jesus Himself was baptized (Mark 1:9-11)
• Christ’s disciples baptized others (John 4:1-2)
• Apostles preached the necessity of baptism (Acts 2:38-41)
• Paul baptized others (1 Corinthians 1:14-16)

Baptism at Midland Free

Baptism classes are offered to individuals desiring to be baptized at Midland Free. These classes provide materials that explain the biblical reasons for baptism as well as the baptism process followed at Midland Free.

Baptism Process

• Attend the baptism class
• Submit baptism application and written testimony
• Discuss application and testimony with a church leader
• Baptism service