INTRODUCTION
We are so excited that you are interested in baptism. We believe that baptism is a necessary and important step of obedience for every person who has accepted Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior of their lives. We hope that the information below will provide most, if not all, of the answers to questions you may have about baptism.
WHAT WE BELIEVE ABOUT BAPTISM
Who should be baptized?
Christians believe that the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the sole basis for the forgiveness of sin. Therefore, salvation occurs when a person places his or her faith in Jesus Christ, accepting His death on the cross, and His resurrection from the dead as sufficient payment for his or her sin.
If you have personally accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, then you are ready to be baptized. Your baptism is an opportunity for you to show others that you have accepted Him and are now walking in agreement with Him.
What Does Baptism Symbolize?
Baptism is a way of showing others that you have received Christ into your life and have began a growing relationship with Him. It symbolizes what took place in your heart and life at the time of salvation. Baptism means:
You have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life
You shared in His death, burial, and resurrection, illustrated by going down into the water (Dead to your old life), then rising up out of the water (Your new life).
You are symbolically washed clean. All sin has been forgiven by the death of Jesus Christ.
Because Jesus instructed us to be baptized, baptism is an act of obedience. While it is not necessary for salvation, it demonstrates submission to God and His Word. We immerse at SouthPoint Church because we believe Scripture shows that Jesus modeled that for us as the way to publicly acknowledge our faith in Him.
INFANT BAPTISM AND CHRISTENING
While some churches and denominations practice infant baptism and/or infant christening, at SouthPoint, we understand Scripture to teach that only professed Christians/believers qualify for baptism. Baptism does not make you a believer it demonstrates that you are a believer.THE BAPTISM PROCESS
The baptism process at SouthPointe is designed to be simple and meaningful. From the registration form to the baptism meeting, each step has been designed with you in mind.
Step One:
Listen to the baptism message . You may request a copy of the message on CD or listen to the message on-line at southpointeresources.com.
Step Two:
Complete the Baptism Registration Form. Once we have received your form, someone will contact you to schedule your videotaping and baptism.
Step Three:
Read about making your video. We want you to be as comfortable for the video as possible.
Step Four:
Attend your meeting and film your video testimony. After we receive your Registration Form, we will contact you to schedule an informational meeting where you will also have your testimony videotaped.
Step Five:
Get baptized! Baptisms usually take place on Sundays during one of our services and includes a showing of your prerecorded video testimony.
MAKING YOUR VIDEO
One of the most powerful aspects of baptism at SouthPointe Church is the video testimony shown right before your baptism. The video allows you to share how Christ has been working in your life. Prerecording allows you to do as many takes as necessary, while sharing the message you have thoughtfully and prayerfully prepared ahead of time.
Many people ask, "Do I have to do the video?" The answer is yes, if you want to be baptized at SouthPointe Church. Baptism is meant to be a public profession and it is an incredible opportunity to share the message of redemption with other people.
Another reason we do a video is that we as a congregation grow in our faith by watching these stories of God's great grace. It also allows friends, family, and even others you don't even know you to celebrate the amazing transformation God has performed in your life.
We want baptism to be a meaningful and enjoyable experience, and we look forward to walking through it with you. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@southpointechurch.com.
Baptism Registration Form
