Water baptism is the very first step expected of a new disciple of Jesus. The early church baptized people so immediately that Scripture often connects baptism and conversion as though they are one event.
The truth is, the only things you need to do to receive salvation are found in Romans 10:9-10, which says:
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
But if that's all we need to do to receive salvation, what's the point in being baptized?
Baptism is an act of obedience to Jesus, creating a definable moment in our lives when we can unquestionably affirm that we decided to join Jesus in His death and resurrection. It is a moment upon which we can look and declare, "Yes, I have been buried with Christ and raised with Him to new life!"
Baptism is the moment when the decision of our heart meets physical expression in our body.
What Does Baptism Accomplish?
1 Peter 3:21 calls baptism "the pledge of a clear conscience toward God." Baptism is a "pledge." One could call it a form of prayer (see Luke 3:21-22). And it is an activity by which we meaningfully identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
Romans 6:3-4 says,
Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
When you enter the water, you do so in agreement that just as Jesus died once and for all to sin, so too you have died to sin. And as you're raised up out of the water, you are connecting with the truth of Jesus' resurrection, knowing that the same Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.
This act of faith--this pledge to God--is witnessed in the spiritual realm. All the powers of darkness tremble because your act of baptism reminds them of their own defeat. Your decision to follow Jesus in baptism is spiritual warfare, joining Jesus in His triumph over our spiritual enemies (see 1 Peter 3:19-22).
How Can I be Baptized?
First, tell your house church pastor that you want to be baptized. He or she will then help figure out the soonest and most convenient opportunity for your baptism.
We baptize people in whatever body of water we can find--bathtubs, swimming pools, hot tubs, ponds, rivers, lakes, or even the bed of a pickup-truck.
Depending on your availability, desires, and physical limitations, your house church pastor can baptize you during a regularly scheduled house church meeting, at a separate event specifically for that purpose, or (with enough advance notice) at one of our Encounter Night meetings.
Your house church pastor can help you decide how and when. Then simply bring a swim suit, a towel, and a change of clothes.
What Will Happen?
First, we'll ask you if you're ready to follow Jesus for the rest of your life, no matter the cost. When you affirm that you are, the person ministering baptism will say something to this effect: "Based on your confession of faith, I now baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (see Matthew 28:19).
Plug your nose, and the person ministering baptism will help you tip backward into the water and then raise you back up.
We'll celebrate God's work in your life, and then you're ready to go put on dry clothes.
If you want to be baptized in water, tell your house church pastor today!