Why should I be baptized?

1) Jesus commanded it for those who believe in Him.

“…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”  (Matthew 28:19-20)

2) It is your next step after you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ and declares publicly your decision to follow Jesus.

“Those who accepted the message (of Jesus) were baptized…”  (Acts 2:41)

  3) It symbolizes the Gospel message of Christ’s burial, resurrection, and our new life in Him.

“…we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”  (Romans 6:4)

Who should be baptized?

Every person who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.

Why does Liberty practice baptism by immersion?

• It was the way Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:16) and every other baptism recorded in the New Testament was by immersion under water (Acts 8:38-39);

• The word “baptize” from the Greek word “baptizo”, means “to dip” or “to immerse” under water;

• Immersion is the best picture of Christ’s burial and resurrection;

• The testimony of Church History supports baptism by immersion…

  • “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.” (Martin Luther, 16th century Christian Reformer/Pastor)

    1. “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.” (John Calvin, 16thcentury Theologian)

    2. “…baptizing by immersion was undoubtedly the custom of the first church.” (John Wesley, 17th century Evangelist/Theolgian)

Is baptism necessary for salvation?

Baptism does not make you a believer, it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not”save” you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring: it is the outward symbol of the commitment you’ve made in your heart (to Christ).

“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.”  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Can my child be baptized?

Here at Liberty we do not baptize children until they are old enough to believe in Christ and fully understand what that belief means. Baptism is for those who have accepted Christ and made their own personal decision to be baptized. 

Can I be re-baptized?

We recommend that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer in Jesus. Getting baptized again does not devalue a prior experience but simply reflects your desire to be baptized in the same way Jesus was baptized. Also, you could be baptized again if you did not comprehend the meaning and significance of salvation and/or baptism the first time.

Can my family be baptized together?

Yes, if each family member fully understands the meaning of baptism and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation.

Will I have to say anything when I get baptized?

We ask each person being baptized to share briefly when and how they came to put their trust in Christ for salvation. In short, share a brief summary your personal testimony.