Baptism

What is Baptism

We were 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

At Compass Point we practice baptism by immersion in water as described in the New Testament.  The word for baptism “baptizo” in Greek means: to dip, to plunge under or submerge. Baptism is an outward sign that something that has changed inside your heart because you have surrendered your life to God through Jesus Christ.

Baptism is a demonstration of your faith in Jesus Christ. 

Commons Questions About Baptism

What is Baptism?
Baptism has been a practice of the Christian church since Jesus instituted it 2000 years ago. While it is practiced in almost every Christian church, churches vary in what they believe about baptism, how they practice it, and who they will baptize.
What does Compass Point believe about Baptism?
  1. We baptize people once they have personally chosen to trust in Jesus. This is called “Believer’s Baptism”, and it is how baptism was practiced in the Bible.
  2. Baptism is an external symbol of an internal change that has already taken place. It is the way Christians ‘go public’ with their faith.
  3. Baptism doesn’t save you or provide forgiveness of sins, only faith in Jesus can do that. The Bible is pretty clear on this one.
  4. All followers of Jesus should be baptized. This was Jesus’ expressed intent for his followers.
  5. We baptize by completely immersing people in water. The root word of baptism actually means to ‘immerse’ or ‘dip under’… so that is what we do.
When should I be baptized?
As soon as you have believed in Jesus. There is no defined waiting period, no need to have everything figured out, and no expectation that one is living a perfect life. In the Bible, there are multiple examples of people being baptized the same day that they put their faith in Jesus.
Why should I be baptized?
Those who have decided to follow Jesus Christ should consider being baptized in order to follow both Jesus’ command and His example. Baptism is about obeying and following Jesus…. not about becoming a member of the church, checking off another religious box, or pleasing anyone else.
What if I have been baptized as a baby?
Being baptized as a baby is a wonderful expression of a parent’s desire for their child, but it is different than what was practiced in the New Testament. Every explicit example of someone being baptized in the Bible was of someone who had chosen themselves to do so. We encourage all followers of Jesus, even those who have been baptized as babies, to choose for themselves to be baptized.
How will I know what to do?
Once you let us know that you would like to be baptized, we’ll meet with you to talk more about what happens in a baptism service. Most people like to share with the congregation their story, however long or short you want. You can share a specific verse that is important to your journey, or even have the person who has meant the most in your journey standing near by.

We’ll meet a couple of times and make sure that you feel comfortable.

How Do I Get Baptized?

It’s easier than you think!

Contact Us! We want a chance to talk to you and find out a little bit more about you and answer any questions you might have about baptisms.

Email Pastor Brad Klinck: bklinck@compasspointbc.com