Baptism

Baptism is the outward demonstration of your inward decision to follow Jesus.

At Highpoint, we practice baptism by immersion, instead of sprinkling or pouring, because that is what we see in the Bible – they went into the water and came up from the water. Of course, we will accommodate any physical limitations that would prevent someone from being immersed in water.

Baptism by immersion is a significant picture:

• It is a picture of Jesus – His death, burial, and resurrection.
• It is also a picture of our story – we were dead in sin, but, in Jesus, we are forgiven, and raised to new life.

The act of baptism does not save you. Jesus saves you. Baptism is the biblical way to confess and declare that you are saved.

“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”
Acts 2:41

“But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
Acts 8:12

“Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.”
Acts 8:13

“And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”
Acts 8:34-36

“And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.”
Acts 16:31-33

These verses from the New Testament show that immediately after someone believed they were baptized as a public profession of their belief.

As soon as you decide to follow Jesus, baptism is your next step. There is no reason to delay (Acts 8:12).

The biblical order is belief, then baptism.

We see an immediate response in the Bible. There wasn’t a 6-week baptism class that needed to be completed as a prerequisite. There wasn’t a waiting period to gain approval or to be confirmed to be baptized.

In the Bible it was: “See, here is some water! What prevents me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:37).

• If you are a new believer – it’s never too soon to be baptized.
• If you have known the Lord for years or decades – it’s never too late to be baptized.

Some of the greatest baptism moments at Highpoint have been people in both categories – new believers and long-time believers – both stepping forward in obedience.

Jesus was baptized and commands each of His followers to be baptized. Whether you’ve been a Christian for a few days or weeks, or for years or even decades, don’t delay your obedience to Jesus!

Remember the order in the Bible – belief, then baptism.

If you were baptized as an infant, it was your parents’ decision to baptize you, not your decision to be baptized. Your parents loved you and did what they thought was best. Be grateful for your parents and their actions!

That said, what is seen in the Bible is personal belief in Jesus.

You are not saved because your parents, grandparents, or siblings believe in Jesus. You’re saved by grace through faith. Again, the order – belief, then baptism.

To be baptized as a believer does not disrespect your parents. In fact, it honors them because you are affirming what your parent desired for you by baptizing you.

The Bible does not teach the need to be baptized repeatedly.

• If you were baptized before genuine belief, you should be baptized again.
• If you were baptized after personal belief, you don’t need to be baptized again and again. You don’t need to be baptized at each church you attend. Or after each time you sin or rededicate yourself.
• Perhaps you were unsure about your faith when you were baptized. Perhaps you were baptized in grade school or at a teen retreat because other students were being baptized, but you didn’t really start following the Lord until later in your life. You’re not sure when you were saved and you want you baptism to be a meaningful moment – we encourage you to be baptized again.

Fantastic!

At Highpoint, our general guideline is to wait til a student is 12 years old or middle school aged to be baptized.

The reason we have this guideline is because baptism is to please the Lord, not a parent. We want to encourage personal decision for both belief and baptism at the time that they decide.

Yes, if each person has a personal story of faith in Christ! What a great thing to do together as a family or husband and wife or parent and child.

If you’re a Christian and not yet baptized it’s a matter of one or two things.

First, it’s a matter of spiritual ignorance. As in you didn’t know.

Second, it’s a matter of spiritual pride, as in you do know but you don’t think it applies to you. For whatever reason you’ve convinced yourself that you don’t need to do it.

Maybe you think that because you have been following Christ for so long that to do it now would be embarrassing. Understand that fear is a form of pride because fear is rooted in self, not in faith. This is why baptism is a step of faith.

Like the Ethiopian said to Philip – “What prevents me from being baptized?”

So, which is it for you? Is it a matter of spiritual ignorance or spiritual pride? There aren’t really any other options.

As a result of reading this Baptism FAQ, you cannot claim spiritual ignorance anymore. The only option left for you, if you haven’t been baptized, is spiritual pride.

Don’t let that be you! The Bible says, “Humble yourself before the Lord and He will exalt you.” Make the choice to exalt Him in the waters of baptism. We have not met anyone who has regretted being obedient to the Lord in baptism.