MAG Water Baptism Application
A Step Toward Maturity
Water Baptism is one of the next steps after receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord of your life. Baptism was commanded by Jesus (Matthew 28:19), practiced by the apostles (Acts 2:38, Acts 10:48, 1 Corinthians 1:16) and has been a regular part of biblical Christianity for nearly twenty centuries. Since professing Christ takes place in the heart, this public symbol is is a way of demonstrating our commitment to our new life in Christ.
Those who have truly repented of sin, recognize the significance of what they are doing and desire to publicly proclaim their faith in Christ are qualified to be baptized.
What does it symbolize? Our identification with Christ. As you enter the water you identify yourself with Jesus who humbled himself to death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). When you are immersed you portray the death and burial of Jesus (Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12) and thus your death to sin and self. As you are raised from the water you picture Christ who conquered sin and death (Colossians 2:12, Romans 3:4-6). Now you live victoriously over sin (Romans 6:4-7).
The Cleansing of the Soul. Just as water removes dirt from our skin so baptism symbolizes the cleansing of our soul from sin.
The Putting On of Christ. When you are baptized you publicly state that you are turning your back on sin and that you intend to live exclusively for Christ. As a soldier puts on a uniform so you, by putting on Christ through baptism, declare your mission and allegiance to Jesus.
How is it done? Each candidate will share a brief testimony if they would like to and then walk into the baptistry and after the pastor pronounces the sacrament of baptism, he will lean them back gently into the water bringing them up very quickly.
Do I really need to be baptized? Jesus commanded it to be done as a sign of allegiance to Him. He also, by example, demonstrated the importance of baptism (Matthew 3:13-15).
Does water baptism make me a Christian? Baptism does not save you from sin. Only the work of Jesus Christ on the cross can do that when you receive Him by faith into your life. Baptism is, however, necessary as an act of obedience which signifies the sincerity of your decision.
In whose name will I be baptized? "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). These words express an understanding of the triune God while recognizing the person and work of Christ.
What if I was baptized as an infant? Since infants have as yet no sin to repent of and are unable to understand the symbolism of baptism and are unable to choose Christ as Lord and Savior, we wait until they are mature enough to do so. If you were baptized as an infant, but have never been so after receiving Christ as Savior and Lord, you should be baptized.
Is baptism open to children? Any child whose parent or legal guardian believes that the child understands what they are doing may be baptized. Parents or legal guardians are required to sign the application.
Complete and submit the application below to be included for water baptism.
Date:
First Name: MI: Last Name:
DOB:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Home Phone: Cell Phone:
Email:
Date you became a Christian:
Location / Church where you committed your life to Christ:
Has baptism been explained to you so that you are fully aware of it's implications?
Yes: No:
I have read the entire brochure above and fully agree with it's contents.
Yes: No:
Commitment Statement:
I hearby express my desire for water baptism as a public sign of my faith in Jesus Christ.
(by filling in your name in the box below you are signing this application)
