BAPTISM
Baptism is a special moment in the life of a Christ-follower. It’s an outward symbol of an inward change – a public declaration that you are choosing to follow Jesus with your whole heart.
At Horizon, we invite all Christ-followers to be baptized.
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism is a public declaration of our decision to follow Jesus with our whole heart. We are identifying with Jesus who died and rose from the grave. Being immersed in the water symbolizes dying to our old way of life, to sin, and to ourselves. When we come up out of the water, it represents being washed clean, and rising to new life in Jesus.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Wear dark clothes, and bring a towel. You’ll step into the tank of water and someone will ask you who you place your faith and trust in. If your answer is “Jesus,” the person baptizing you will help lower you into the water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They will help raise you out of the water and everyone will clap and cheer for you and your declaration of faith. You’ll then exit the tank and you can dry off, go change your clothing and join your friends and family in our services.
BAPTISM FOR KIDS & YOUTH
We love when kids and youth choose to follow Jesus with their whole heart and take the next step to be baptized. We encourage moms and dads to talk with their kids about baptism, what it means, and why they should participate. We also welcome parents who want to be a part of baptizing their kids.Because baptism is a public proclamation of faith, at Horizon we want your child to be old enough to understand the decision they are making, and for them to make that decision on their own. We don’t baptize babies as they aren’t capable of making that choice yet.
Baptism FAQ'S
- “Christ died for our sins… He was buried… and He rose again.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
- “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” Colossians. 2:12
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.
(Example) “…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 literally means “To dip under water.”
The founders of denominations agree:
Martin Luther: “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the work imports and the mystery signifies.”
John Calvin: “The word ´baptize´ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”
John Wesley: “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”
Every person who has believed in Christ.
“Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized…”
Acts 2:41
“Simon himself believed and was baptized…”
Acts 8:13
“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News… and the
name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
Acts 8:12
As soon as you have believed.
“Those who believe…were baptized…that day!”
Acts 2:41
“Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ´Look, here is water! Why shouldn´t I be baptized right now?´ Philip said, ´If you believe with all your heart, you may.´ The man answered, ´I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.´ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”
Acts 8:35-38
There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect”, you´ll never feel “good enough”!
At Horizon, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.
Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed.
This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.
We will provide a black shirt for you to be baptized in.
Women should wear shorts and a top or a swimsuit. Men may wear shorts, t-shirts or a swimsuit. Please make sure your clothing is dark and won’t be transparent when wet. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.
No. At the beginning of the service, one of the Pastor’s will briefly explain the meaning of baptism.
You will wait in the water for your turn to be baptized. The Pastor will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and then you can leave the water, dry off, and watch the others. Later you will receive your baptism certificate.
We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.
Yes! If each person understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.
However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family or group tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on others to join you. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.
Yes! We encourage you to invite friends and family to witness your public declaration of faith.