What is baptism?

Baptism was practised throughout the New Testament. In the early church accepting Jesus into your life was followed by baptism:

"…those who accepted his message were baptised…"

Acts 2:41 (NIV)

The word baptism literally means to dip or to immerse and we believe that the bible teaches that every Christian should be baptised:

"whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

Mark 16:16 (NIV)

Baptism represents 3 things

1. Death

Baptism shows that we have died to our old way of living. It doesn't mean we literally die, symbolically it shows that we have left our old lifestyle behind and chosen to follow Jesus.

"…That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind…"

Romans 6:3 (The Message)

2. Having your sins washed away

Baptism symbolises our sins being washed away and receiving forgiveness from God.

"…Get up, be baptised and wash Your sins away, calling on His name."

Acts 22:16 (NIV)

3. New Life

Baptism represents the new life we have been given by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. Being raised out of the water is like the resurrection of Jesus.

"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."

Romans 6:4 (NLT)

What actually happens?

When you are baptised it is an opportunity to publicly share your faith. At St Combs Community Church we have a special service where you can invite your family and friends along (if you want) and after this service we head down to the beach where everyone gets a short explanation of what is happening.

After this you go into the water with the two people who will baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son and the holy Spirit. This is done by lowering you under the water and immediately pulling you up again.

We then go back to the church (after you are dried up) for refreshments with the rest of the church, your family and your friends.

Who can be baptised?

There are three qualifications you need to be able to be baptised:

1. You must believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God (Acts 8:36-37).

2. You must repent of your sin and turn in faith to Jesus, receiving Him as your personal Saviour (Acts 2:38).

3. You must be willing to become disciples (followers) of Christ; willing to obey His commands found in the bible and acknowledge that He is Lord of your life (Matthew 28:19-20).

If you have done all of this you are ready to be baptised!

Why be baptised?

Baptism is not something that you do if you feel like it, it is a command! Jesus Himself said that we are to:

"…go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…"

Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

Jesus was baptised (Matthew 3:13-17) and the believers in the New Testament were baptised. If it's good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for you!

When should you be baptised?

There's no time like the present!

"And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name."

Acts 22:16 (NIV)

Do we baptise children?

At St Combs Community Church we believe that if children want to get baptised and are of age where they totally understand what baptism involves and means we would encourage them to be baptised in obedience to God's word, the bible.

The policy of the church is that under 18's must have their parents permission before we are willing to baptise them and we do not want to pressurise them as we teach that God will honour them if they obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1-3)