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Baptism

Baptism is a significant event in the life of every believer.  At Sequoia we understand from the Bible that believers are to come to faith first and then be baptized as a sign of their commitment to Christ.  We believe that baptism is a public declaration, or an outward sign, of what God has already done in the heart of a believer.  In this way baptism is an important sign and an act of obedience for believers but it does not save as some traditions teach.  Please review the Scriptures below to better understand baptism. 

If you have questions or would like to be baptized at the next Baptism Celebration Service please email Pastor Ryan Dawson at ryand@sequoiachurch.org.  To download a PDF on Sequoia's view of Baptism click here.
 
Why Should I be baptized? 

• To follow the example set by Jesus Christ.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” Mark 1:9

• Because Christ commands it.
“Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.’” Matthew 28:19-20

• It demonstrates that I’m really a believer.
“...many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8

What is the meaning of baptism? 

• It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection
“Christ died for our sins. He was buried...and He rose again.” 1 Cor. 15:3-4

• It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
“By our baptism, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, so also we may live a new life!” Romans 6:4

Why be baptized by immersion? 

• Because Jesus was baptized that way.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” Matthew 3:16

• Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
(Example) “...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water...” Acts 8:38-39

• The word “Baptize” literally means to dip under water.
The Greek word baptizo means “to immerse or dip under water”.

Who should be baptized?

• Every person who has believed and received Christ.
“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized...” Acts 2:41

“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News...and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12

When should I be baptized? 

• As soon as you become a believer.
“Those who believed...were baptized...that day!” Acts 2:41

“Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:35-38

There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you should be baptized.