Baptism

Identifying with Christ

We believe baptism is an important step of obedience for every person who has trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Salvation and baptism are not the same thing. Salvation occurs when a person places their complete faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as the sufficient payment for sin.

Just like a bride and groom show their love for one another by wearing wedding bands, your baptism is an opportunity to show others that you belong to Jesus and will follow Him all the days of your life. It symbolizes what took place in your heart when you were saved. We immerse at First Denham because we believe scripture shows that Jesus modeled that for us as the way to publicly acknowledge our faith in Him. If you'd like to learn more or are ready to make the commitment to be baptized, click the “I’m ready!” button above.

“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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

— Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

Common Questions about Baptism

+ What is Baptism?

Baptism is a symbolic act of obedience as a new believer identifies with Christ.

  • Baptism illustrates Christ’s death and resurrection.

    “Christ died for our sins...He was buried...and He rose again.” - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

  • It illustrates your new life as a Christian.

    “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17

+ Why Should I be Baptized?

  • To follow the example set by Jesus.

    “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” - Mark 1:9

  • Because Christ commands it.

    “Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.’” - Matthew 28:19-20

  • It demonstrates that I really am a believer.

    “...many of the people who heard him believed and were baptized.” - Acts 18:8

+ Why Should I be Baptized by Immersion?

  • Because Jesus was baptized that way.

    “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” - Matthew 3:16

  • Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion

    “...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water...” - Acts 8:38-39

  • The word “baptize” means to immerse in water.

    The Greek word baptizo means “to immerse or dip under water”.