Baptism
An outward declaration of an inward transformation
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Roman 6:4
Baptism is an important step of obedience that publicly declares our faith in Jesus and our trust in Him for salvation. Jesus Himself was baptised while He was on earth, and we follow His example. During baptism, a person is fully immersed in water, symbolising identification with Jesus' death and burial, and then raised out of the water, symbolising His resurrection and the new life we have in Him.
What is Baptism?
We believe that water baptism is a public declaration of three important things: you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are beginning a changed life in Christ, and you are part of a new family.
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Those who are baptised are following Jesus' example and obeying His command.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” —Matthew 3:16–17
“Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’” —Matthew 28:18–20
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Water baptism is a public declaration of three life-changing truths:
You have chosen to follow Jesus.
Baptism is an outward expression of your personal faith in Christ and your decision to live for Him.
“Those who accepted his message were baptised.” — Acts 2:41You have been made new in Christ.
Just as Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, baptism symbolises leaving your old life behind and embracing the new life He has given you.
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death... that we too may live a new life.” — Romans 6:4You belong to God's family.
Through faith in Jesus, you become part of a community of believers united in Him.
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” — Galatians 3:26–27
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Your baptism should have marked a personal decision to follow Jesus, the beginning of a transformed life in Him, and your identification with the family of God. Baptism is intended to be a meaningful expression of the faith and commitment that already exists in a person's heart.
If you were baptised before making your own decision to follow Jesus, or if your baptism did not reflect a genuine commitment to Christ and a changed life, then you may want to consider being baptised again. Being baptised as a believer is a powerful opportunity to publicly declare your faith and celebrate the new life you have found in Jesus.
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Throughout the New Testament, baptism is presented as a public declaration of faith and a symbol of the new life we have in Christ. We see this model in Jesus' own life, He was dedicated to God as a child (Luke 2:22–40) and later baptised as an adult (Matthew 3:16–17).
Some churches practise infant baptism or christening as a commitment made by parents on behalf of their child. In these ceremonies, parents commit to raising their child in the Christian faith until they are old enough to make their own decision to follow Jesus. This differs from the New Testament pattern, where baptism follows a personal profession of faith.
At Vision Church, we offer both Parent/Child Dedications and believer's baptism for anyone over the age of 8. If you would like to dedicate your child, please complete the Parent/Child Dedication Registration Form.