Below are answers to three important questions about baptism to help you understand its meaning and significance.
What is baptism?
Baptism is a significant step of faith that takes place after a person has made the decision to trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. It is a public declaration of their commitment to follow him.
At Forest Hills, we practice full immersion baptism, which powerfully symbolizes the believer's identification with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. As they go under the water, it represents dying to their old life of sin. Rising from the water signifies their new life in Christ. This symbolism is described in Romans 6:3-4:
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Baptism does not save a person. It is an outward expression of the salvation and transformation that has already taken place in the heart.
Why should a believer be baptized?
First, a believer should be baptized to obey Christ's command. Baptism shouldn't be considered optional. It's an essential part of following Christ. Matthew 28:18-20 says,
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."
Second, a believer should be baptized to publicly profess their faith in Jesus. Just as a wedding ring symbolizes a marriage covenant, baptism serves as a visible sign of a believer's commitment to Jesus. It is a bold statement that says, "I am no longer living for myself. I belong to Christ."
How do we do baptisms at Forest Hills?
When someone expresses a desire to be baptized, they meet with one or more of our Elders for a conversation about their faith journey. If the Elders affirm that the individual has placed their faith in Jesus, the church family is notified, and a baptism date is set. Our baptisms typically take place during a Sunday morning worship service, using our baptismal tank. This allows our church family to celebrate together, offering encouragement and support as the individual publicly declares their faith.
If you're considering baptism or have any questions, we'd love to talk with you! Please reach out to us to begin the conversation.