Believer's Baptism

We believe that baptism is a visible symbol of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and is reserved for those who have trusted Him and Him alone for their eternal salvation.

What is baptism?

Baptism outwardly expresses our inward spiritual connection (through repentance and faith) with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. It is an important step of obedience that every Christian should take.

Being baptized does not in itself save, heal or clean one from the sin that separates us from God. The person and work of Jesus alone bridges the gap between sinful man and holy God – salvation through Christ is received by faith alone (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5).

Baptism, then, serves as an outward testimony of the inward changes Christ has already done in the life of a believer – namely that in Him, they are dead to sin, their old life is buried in Christ, and their new life is lived in His kingdom for His glory. Baptism is a way of publicly identifying oneself as a follower of Jesus and serves as a means of grace that strengthens and encourages the faith of believers. (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:38-41, Romans 6:1-4, Colossians 3:3)

For this reason, RBC baptizes believers by full immersion in water in the presence of our congregation as witnesses. Being immersed in water is a powerful, visceral illustration of Christ’s atoning death for us, our death to self, and our being buried with Christ. Coming out of the water illustrates our resurrection to new life in Christ through His literal resurrection (Romans 6:3-7).

Who should be baptized?

Baptism is a step of obedience that every Christ-follower should take. Baptism is reserved for anyone who trusts Jesus and Him alone for the forgiveness of sin and their eternal salvation. We welcome both adults and children who desire to be baptized and meet this biblical qualification. Here are some important considerations as a parent if your child wants to be baptized.

We do not baptize infants, but we do offer Parent-Child Dedications. Dedications allow you to proclaim publicly your desire to raise your baby for the glory of God. Dedications serve as a vessel for parents to publicly express gratitude to God and to acknowledge their responsibility before Him and the church in raising their children. You can learn more about Parent-Child Dedications at RBC here.

How can I get baptized at RBC?

If you desire to be baptized at RBC, please click on the Online Interest Form link below to give us some basic information about yourself. That will start the process.

Next, we’ll help you set up a time to meet with a staff pastor (for adults), youth pastor (for students in 6th to 12th grade), or our Children’s Ministry Director (for children up through 5th grade) for a face-to-face interview. We’d simply like to hear your story and why you’d like to be baptized.

After you’ve been interviewed, we’ll set up a time to video you sharing your story. Please come prepared to give the 2 minute version of your testimony, including what baptism is and what has lead you to the point of being baptized. We usually film 2-3 takes, so as much as you are able, be prepared to articulate your story the same way a few times. Here are some examples of baptism videos from previous baptism candidates.

(In order to help you prepare for the interview and video, you may find it helpful read over this Testimony Preparation Document. This document will help you think through how to articulate your salvation testimony and tell your story.)

Finally, we’ll set a date and service time for your baptism.

What are baptism services like at RBC?

Baptisms are regularly celebrated before the congregation during Sunday services. Each baptism uniquely reflects the testimonies and lives of those who are being baptized. Each has its own wonderful flavor and is always a blessing to those in attendance. Candidates are encouraged to invite family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to celebrate with them.

During the worship service, we will give a brief explanation of what baptism is, then show your testimony video. At that point, you’ll be invited on stage into the baptism pool where you’ll be baptized by one of our pastors. It is a great time of encouragement and rejoicing for our whole church family!

Because we celebrate believer’s baptism during our Sunday morning services, unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate receptions after the service.

If you would like more information on being baptized at RBC, please email Michael Greene at michaelgreene@restonbible.org. He will help you with any questions you may have.