Baptism - Calvary Chapel Life

In the Bible, there are two sacraments (holy rituals) which Christians are enjoined to practice and observe: The Lord's Supper and Water Baptism.
The purpose of both is to signify by outward symbolism, what Christ has accomplished in a believer's life through faith in Christ. As true believers, we are both instructed and commanded to submit to both as expressions of our faith in Christ.
In what has become known as the "Great Commission", Jesus gave to us the following command:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"- Matthew 28:19.

The word "baptize" is taken from the Greek word "baptizo" meaning:
1.) to immerse or submerge, 2.) to overflow or cover with water, 3.) to wet thoroughly or moisten and 4.) to pour upon or drench.

At Calvary Chapel Life we follow the way which most closely follows how Jesus was Baptized.

1. IMMERSION: Wherein a person is completely lowered under the water.
Immersion portrays the atoning death of Christ and gives witness to the reality of His bodily resurrection
(Romans 6:3-5).

Why do you need to be Baptized?
1. Act of Obedience
Throughout the New Testament, water baptism was practiced following conversion. This was done in direct response to Jesus' command that Christians everywhere are to "preach" and then "baptize" those who believe. Therefore, everyone who becomes a Christian needs to be baptized out of obedience to God.

2. Statement of Faith
As mentioned earlier, water baptism is an outward statement of one's belief in Christ's death for our sins, the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit to guide and influence our lives, are the only means for gaining a clear, guilt-free conscience towards God. Baptism is a means to make a public statement of your faith.

3. Public Testimony
In the New Testament, we see baptism practiced publicly. It was a very powerful and meaningful way to fulfill Jesus' promise, "Whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heave" (Matthew 10:32). Those who are publicly baptized "confess before men" their life's commitment to Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

What Baptism Can Not Do
1. Baptism Can Not Save You
Salvation comes through faith alone, and not works (Ephesians 2:8). Therefore, the act of baptism cannot save us. Rather it gives evidence through public action that a person has already been saved.

2. Baptism Can Not Cleanse From Sin
The cleansing of sins takes place when we believe and accept Christ and ask Him to cleanse our sins (1 John 1:9). Baptism is witness to our cleansing, but the water itself is powerless to cleanse from sin.

3. Baptism Can Not Wash Away Bad Habits
Self-control is a fruit of living for Christ, daily in humble obedience to Him. Moral purity, holiness, also known as the Sanctification process is the resulting benefit of receiving Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to influence and change us from within.
Baptism should represent our statement of love and devotion to Jesus Christ, and that serving Him is our master passion.
Baptism does make a statement before the Lord and to others of your willingness to submit your life to the process of spiritual growth and change through the power of the Holy Spirit. And you can expect Him to further touch your life through this deliberate action.
God Bless you as you choose to follow Christ in this wonderful way.