all things new.
baptisms
Iriiri
___________________
It’s what Jesus showed us as our next step
In order to understand the reason for being water baptised, it is important to carefully consider what the Bible says about it - Jesus himself was baptised. He was not a sinner, yet he humbled himself in obedience to identify with us and give us an example to follow. Check out Mark 1:9.
It’s a way we can obey what Jesus teaches us
Water baptism is an act of faith and obedience to the commands of Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20).
It’s how we make our decision public
Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus. It is a public confession of your faith in, and commitment to, Jesus. It is the next step after making a decision to follow Jesus and is an important foundation for your journey of faith.
what is the meaning and significance of baptism?
Baptism is a symbol of Jesus' burial and resurrection (when He came back to life!). When we go under the water during baptism we identify with Jesus' death on the cross, His burial in the tomb and His resurrection from the dead.
'Going under the water was a burial of your old life; coming up out of it was a resurrection... Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ’s cross.' Colossians 2:12-14 MSG.
We bury the ‘old life’ and we rise to walk in a ‘new life’. Baptism is like a wedding ring, it is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart, a commitment that has to be followed through and lived out on a daily basis.
'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.' Romans 6:4.
how are we to be baptised?
As per the example of Jesus – by being immersed in water. The word “baptise” comes from the Greek word baptizo which means 'to immerse or dip under water'. Matthew 3:16.
who should be baptised?
Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ. 'Those who accepted his message were baptised….' Acts 2:41.
We believe in baptising children when they are old enough to understand what it means and make a personal declaration of belief.
(The age of 12 years old is sometimes a good benchmark.)
ready to be baptised?
We would love to talk to you about how you can be baptised at Echo Church. Please fill out the contact form and one of our team will be in touch.