BAPTISM
You’ve been praying about getting baptized, but you have some questions.
Baptism is one of the best ways disciples of Jesus can share their story with others, and we love celebrating them! Read below about what baptism is, what it isn’t, and next steps you can take on your way to getting baptized.
It’s a command.
Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19, “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”. Baptism is how Jesus defines a disciple - it’s a command given to those who have trusted in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Baptism allows a person an outward expression of obedience that points to their inward allegiance to Jesus.
It’s a symbol.
“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. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” - Romans 6:3-5. As a symbol, our baptism makes several important truths clear for all to see, like our union with Christ in His death and resurrection, His cleansing and the washing away of our sin, and the new Spirit-filled life the believer walks in.
It doesn’t save you.
Scripture is clear that salvation is a gift of grace. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is not necessary for salvation and it doesn’t remove your sin - Jesus does that! Baptism is an outward sign of an inward faith in Him. It displays what He has already accomplished within you, and it does not move you to some “higher” or “better” form of Christianity.
It’s not for perfect people.
There's nothing you can do to make God love you more & there's nothing you can do to make God love you less. He already 'so loves' you (John 3:16). You don’t have to clean yourself up or conquer all of your sin and struggles in order to be baptized. We do not “arrive” in this life and our lives are continually being formed in holiness. We’re a people of process, growth, and change throughout our lives. There is not a standard that has to be met. You simply have had to of trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to be baptized.
It’s a celebration.
“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” - Ephesians 4:4-6. Our baptism is not only a symbol of our union with Christ, but also a communal and familial event, a symbol of inclusion in the body of Christ - the church. As a church family, we celebrate baptism because each one tells the story of the Gospel saving, sustaining, and transforming people’s hearts and lives!
STEP 1 - BAPTISM CLASS
The Baptism Class will provide you with a Biblical basis for baptism, help you discern your next step, and walk you through the logistics of getting baptized at Citylight Bennington.
STEP 2 - BAPTISM APPLICATION
After you attend the Baptism Class, we invite you to fill out our Baptism Application. This will give you the opportunity to share your understanding of the Gospel, articulate your salvation story, request someone to baptize you, and ask us clarifying questions.