We are so excited you are interested in baptism! Before you start, be sure that you have read the information at the top of this page for what scripture tells us about salvation, your baptism decision, and the commitment of allowing God into your life. We are always here to answer questions as you read through the information, and answer the questions in the form. Please email "hello@theriver.cc" or call us at (765) 573-5482 with any questions or comments. Now let's "JUMP IN" to your next step in your spiritual journey!
Throughout the Bible, we find some very important teachings that relate to salvation and baptism.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9.
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10
These verses, along with others, show us that our salvation is because of what Christ did for us on the cross. He died for our sins. It is not, and never will be, because of what we do. We cannot earn salvation. It is the gift of God, as the above verses show us.
Do you understand that Christ died for your salvation?
Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9
These verses show us that after we have repented of our sins and accepted God’s forgiveness, the next natural step is to be baptized. We celebrate baptism as an outward action of what a person has already decided to do. Baptism shows that a person has admitted they are a sinner, they have turned to God for forgiveness and now they plan to publicly show this decision by being baptized at their church.
Have you repented of your sins and asked God for forgiveness?
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:21-24
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:11-14
These verses show us what happens when we are truly in relationship with Jesus and allow Him to change us. Following Jesus transforms us into a new person. The old ways of our sin get removed and replaced with a lifestyle that is not perfect, but is growing in God’s goodness. Christ followers are different from the world because we no longer choose to participate in things that the world allows. We follow the teachings and the lifestyle of Jesus who taught us many things that include: to avoid drunkenness, to flee from sexual immorality, to forgive those who hurt us, to seek to serve others and not be served, to treat others as we would want to be treated and to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (Matthew 22:37). Temptations will still come to every believer, but as we grow in our relationship with God, the Holy Spirit and the Bible will show us a way to walk with God and avoid sinful choices.
Are you committed to allowing the transforming power of God into your life?