Water Baptism at Calvary Chapel
"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen." Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus established water baptism as an ordinance when He gave the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16). Baptism is not a personal choice, but a command for believers in Jesus Christ. All born-again believers in Jesus Christ are commanded to be baptised in water.
This page gives a brief explanation of what we believe and how we practice water baptism at Calvary Chapel.
Jesus established water baptism as an ordinance when He gave the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16). Baptism is not a personal choice, but a command for believers in Jesus Christ. All born-again believers in Jesus Christ are commanded to be baptised in water.
This page gives a brief explanation of what we believe and how we practice water baptism at Calvary Chapel.
About Water Baptism
What is water baptism?
Water baptism is a public, outward testimony that indicates a personal, inward faith. It gives evidence of the inner change that has already occurred in the believer’s life, when he or she was “born again” through faith in Jesus Christ.
Why should we be baptized?
We are to be baptized because Jesus Christ commanded it (Matthew 28:19), and because we love the Lord. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Throughout the book of Acts, we read how the early church gave importance to water baptism (2:41; 8:12,38; 9:18; 10:47-48; 16:15,33; 19:3-5).
Who should be baptized?
All born-again believers in Jesus Christ and only believers should be baptized. (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 16:31-33; 18:8).
Is water baptism necessary for salvation?
The Bible clearly teaches that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) and according to God’s mercy (Titus 3:5). The thief on the cross next to Jesus had no time to be baptized; yet Jesus promised that he would be with Him in Paradise that day (Luke 23:43). The Bible contains no record of Jesus baptizing anyone – a strange omission if baptism was essential for salvation. The Apostle Paul declared, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel…” ( 1 Corinthians 1:17). This clearly indicated that salvation is a response of faith to the gospel not the act of baptism. Therefore, water baptism is not an act of salvation, but an act of obedience.
Should infants be baptized?
After Peter spoke at Pentecost, “those who gladly received his word were baptized” (Acts 2:41). In the New Testament, every instance in which a person was baptized and his or her identity was given, that person was an adult. In light of Scripture, infant baptism must be ruled out, because infants cannot receive the Word of God and understand it. However, infants are to be dedicated to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:26-28).
Water baptism is a public, outward testimony that indicates a personal, inward faith. It gives evidence of the inner change that has already occurred in the believer’s life, when he or she was “born again” through faith in Jesus Christ.
Why should we be baptized?
We are to be baptized because Jesus Christ commanded it (Matthew 28:19), and because we love the Lord. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Throughout the book of Acts, we read how the early church gave importance to water baptism (2:41; 8:12,38; 9:18; 10:47-48; 16:15,33; 19:3-5).
Who should be baptized?
All born-again believers in Jesus Christ and only believers should be baptized. (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 16:31-33; 18:8).
Is water baptism necessary for salvation?
The Bible clearly teaches that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) and according to God’s mercy (Titus 3:5). The thief on the cross next to Jesus had no time to be baptized; yet Jesus promised that he would be with Him in Paradise that day (Luke 23:43). The Bible contains no record of Jesus baptizing anyone – a strange omission if baptism was essential for salvation. The Apostle Paul declared, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel…” ( 1 Corinthians 1:17). This clearly indicated that salvation is a response of faith to the gospel not the act of baptism. Therefore, water baptism is not an act of salvation, but an act of obedience.
Should infants be baptized?
After Peter spoke at Pentecost, “those who gladly received his word were baptized” (Acts 2:41). In the New Testament, every instance in which a person was baptized and his or her identity was given, that person was an adult. In light of Scripture, infant baptism must be ruled out, because infants cannot receive the Word of God and understand it. However, infants are to be dedicated to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:26-28).
Getting Baptised: What to Expect
Here’s a quick guide to what your baptism day will look like, so you know just what to expect.
What should I bring?
A change of clothes to be baptised in — shorts and a t-shirt, or a shirt and trousers, whatever you prefer — and a towel. Dark colour tops are recommended as white shirts can be see-through when wet.
Do I need to share my testimony?
Before entering the water, you will be invited forwrd to share a short testimony of how you came to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour. Around 2–5 minutes is a good length. We recognise many people are nervous about speaking in public (this is normal!) and we don't want fear of speaking in public to stand in the way of someone being baptised. If you are unsure about this, please speak to a member of the church leadership who will be able to help you.
What happens when I get in the water?
Following your testimony, you'll be invited to enter the water. Where two of our pastors will be waiting to welcome you. You’ll be asked two questions: “Do you believe in Jesus?” and “Do you commit to following Jesus?” Your answer to both is simply “I do.”
What happens during the baptism itself?
Once you’ve answered, you’ll be baptised. The baptism will be performed by two of our pastors. Just keep your legs straight and let them do the work — they will gently lower you backwards under the water and bring you back up. You’re welcome to hold your nose if you like.
What happens afterwards?
Before you leave the water the pastors will pray for you while the congregation sings a worship song. Then you’re free to leave the pool, where your towel will be waiting. You can go and get changed straight away, or stay and watch the rest of the baptisms — whatever you prefer. There will be people on hand to help.
Any other questions?
Please get in touch — we’re happy to help. We’re praying for you, and rejoicing in the goodness of the Lord!
What should I bring?
A change of clothes to be baptised in — shorts and a t-shirt, or a shirt and trousers, whatever you prefer — and a towel. Dark colour tops are recommended as white shirts can be see-through when wet.
Do I need to share my testimony?
Before entering the water, you will be invited forwrd to share a short testimony of how you came to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour. Around 2–5 minutes is a good length. We recognise many people are nervous about speaking in public (this is normal!) and we don't want fear of speaking in public to stand in the way of someone being baptised. If you are unsure about this, please speak to a member of the church leadership who will be able to help you.
What happens when I get in the water?
Following your testimony, you'll be invited to enter the water. Where two of our pastors will be waiting to welcome you. You’ll be asked two questions: “Do you believe in Jesus?” and “Do you commit to following Jesus?” Your answer to both is simply “I do.”
What happens during the baptism itself?
Once you’ve answered, you’ll be baptised. The baptism will be performed by two of our pastors. Just keep your legs straight and let them do the work — they will gently lower you backwards under the water and bring you back up. You’re welcome to hold your nose if you like.
What happens afterwards?
Before you leave the water the pastors will pray for you while the congregation sings a worship song. Then you’re free to leave the pool, where your towel will be waiting. You can go and get changed straight away, or stay and watch the rest of the baptisms — whatever you prefer. There will be people on hand to help.
Any other questions?
Please get in touch — we’re happy to help. We’re praying for you, and rejoicing in the goodness of the Lord!