We are excited that you are interested in baptism. We believe that baptism is an important step of obedience for every person who has accepted Christ as his or her Savior. Baptism allows a believer to communicate to the world their heart-felt commitment to Christ. People often have questions regarding baptism: Why should I be baptized? What does it symbolize? What about infants? We’ve listed answers to some of our more common questions below.

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

Christians believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the sole basis for the forgiveness of sin. Therefore, salvation occurs only when a person places his or her faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as the sufficient payment for his or her sin. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are ready to be baptized. Just like a bride and groom show others their love for one another by wearing wedding bands, your baptism is your opportunity to show others that you have accepted Christ and are now walking with Him. 

WHAT IS BAPTISM?  WHAT DOES IT SYMBOLIZE?

Baptism illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection. When you are lowered into the water, that’s a picture of Jesus being buried in a tomb. When you come up out of the water, that’s a picture of Jesus’ resurrection.  Baptism doesn’t just tell your story, it tells the story of Jesus.

Baptism illustrates new life as a Christian. When you go under the water, it’s a picture of your old self being washed away.  As a Christian, your old life is gone, and you’re a brand new person.  Baptism doesn’t make you a believer. It shows that you already believe.  

Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches us that we are saved by faith, not by any action on our part.  Baptism isn’t required for salvation; it’s a symbol that salvation has already happened.

INFANT BAPTISM OR DEDICATION

We understand the Scripture to teach that only professing believers qualify for baptism. Baptism does not make you a believer, rather it shows that you already believe. Here, at Covenant Church, we have baby dedications.  A baby dedication is a commitment. It’s a commitment on behalf of the parents to raise the child in a Christian home, teaching and training them to follow Christ. It’s also a commitment for the church to assist the parents in raising their children in a Godly environment.