Baptism

Baptism is a public expression of what Jesus has done through his life, death, and resurrection inside of you

Just as Christ was baptized by John the Baptist, we believe that it is important to follow in his footsteps and publicly profess—that Jesus and only Jesus has saved you; that Jesus literally suffered the penalty of your sin so that you could be permanently free from sin’s awful hurt and offensiveness (Romans 6:12-14); that the Holy Spirit of God now lives inside you (Acts 2); and that you’ve been adopted like a child into His Kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14). Baptism is simply our special way of celebrating this union with Christ (Romans 6:1-11).

The Bible doesn’t give us a specific way to baptize, but there are many traditions from sprinkling to full immersion outside in running water. At Redeemer, we baptize by full immersion and we will do so inside or outside, whenever you are ready to take the next step forward. The Bible also doesn’t specifically say who can perform a baptism, so we love to encourage people to choose someone who has been a significant part of their faith journey.

In short, no. We believe that baptism is an important part of the Christian faith, but it is Christ’s redemptive work on the cross that saves you. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “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.”