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 practise 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 practise water baptism at Calvary Chapel.
Getting Baptised?
If you are getting baptised at Calvary Chapel, please click the button below to find out what to expect and how to prepare.
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 repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Why should we be baptised?
We are to be baptised 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 baptised?
All born-again believers in Jesus Christ — and only believers — should be baptised (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 16:31-33; 18:8).
How should we be baptised?
Biblically, baptism is by full immersion in water. Not only is this implied in the meaning of the word "baptism", but full immersion clearly illustrates the believer's identification with Christ in His death and His life (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
Is water baptism necessary for salvation?
No. The Bible clearly teaches that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone (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 baptised, yet Jesus promised that he would be with Him in Paradise that day (Luke 23:43). The Bible contains no record of Jesus baptising anyone — a strange omission if baptism were 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 indicates that salvation is a response of faith to the gospel, not the act of baptism. Water baptism is therefore not an act of salvation, but an act of obedience.
Should infants be baptised?
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 baptised and their identity was given, that person was an adult who had professed faith in Christ. In light of Scripture, infant baptism must be ruled out, because infants cannot receive the Word of God and understand it. Infants can, however, be dedicated to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:26-28; Mark 10:13-15).
How young can someone be baptised?
It is important that the person choosing to be baptised is old enough to understand the Gospel — sin, Jesus' sacrifice in our place, and surrendering to His Lordship — and is able to explain how Jesus is their Lord and Saviour. We do not want to discourage a child who professes faith in Christ from being baptised, but we also recognise the responsibility to establish that the faith they profess is their own personal faith in Christ, and not the faith of their parents. We want to exercise careful discernment to avoid deception and false assurance in a child's life by baptising them before this is the case.
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 repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Why should we be baptised?
We are to be baptised 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 baptised?
All born-again believers in Jesus Christ — and only believers — should be baptised (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:12, 36-38; 16:31-33; 18:8).
How should we be baptised?
Biblically, baptism is by full immersion in water. Not only is this implied in the meaning of the word "baptism", but full immersion clearly illustrates the believer's identification with Christ in His death and His life (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
Is water baptism necessary for salvation?
No. The Bible clearly teaches that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone (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 baptised, yet Jesus promised that he would be with Him in Paradise that day (Luke 23:43). The Bible contains no record of Jesus baptising anyone — a strange omission if baptism were 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 indicates that salvation is a response of faith to the gospel, not the act of baptism. Water baptism is therefore not an act of salvation, but an act of obedience.
Should infants be baptised?
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 baptised and their identity was given, that person was an adult who had professed faith in Christ. In light of Scripture, infant baptism must be ruled out, because infants cannot receive the Word of God and understand it. Infants can, however, be dedicated to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:26-28; Mark 10:13-15).
How young can someone be baptised?
It is important that the person choosing to be baptised is old enough to understand the Gospel — sin, Jesus' sacrifice in our place, and surrendering to His Lordship — and is able to explain how Jesus is their Lord and Saviour. We do not want to discourage a child who professes faith in Christ from being baptised, but we also recognise the responsibility to establish that the faith they profess is their own personal faith in Christ, and not the faith of their parents. We want to exercise careful discernment to avoid deception and false assurance in a child's life by baptising them before this is the case.
Want to get Baptised?
Please contact us at contact@ccox.church.