Baptism

 

Baptism is the call of Jesus - an expression of your personal faith and a significant step of obedience in your spiritual journey. By immersion, baptism represents death and rebirth. It is a symbol and sacrament to signify that you have chosen to follow Christ.

 

We hope the following information will help you understand the significance of baptism and/or dedication. Our celebration of these milestones includes opportunities for pastoral guidance to prepare you for a meaningful experience.

 

 
As You Consider Baptism

 
     We are so glad that you are considering baptism! On behalf of the family of believers here at Torrey Pines Christian Church, we want to encourage you in the decision you are making to be baptized in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! This is an important decision for a variety of reasons and, hopefully, the information listed below will be helpful to you. If, after reading the following material, you still have questions or concerns, please call Pastor Michael Spitters 858-453-3550. He will be glad to talk or meet with you.


The Meaning of Baptism

 

Baptism is one of two sacraments (i.e., an important practice, sacred pledge) instituted by Christ that symbolizes the truth and grace of Christ's message. This act of obedience that you are considering is both for you, the believer, and the building of God's church.

 

"By the act of baptism, a person becomes a part of the visible Church. As a sign it proclaims God's forgiveness and our redemption in Jesus Christ. It indicates our rebirth, the remission of sins and our ability by the power of the Spirit to walk in newness of life.

 

When you are baptized, you are both remembering and celebrating what Jesus Christ did for all of us in giving his life and what Jesus Christ has done in your life when you accepted him into your heart.

 
The Importance of Baptism

 

Baptism shows that you want to follow Jesus' example. Jesus was baptized, in part, as an example for us.

 

Jesus commanded that his followers be baptized (Matt. 28:19). So, when you choose to be baptized, you are also being obedient.

 

By being baptized you are showing your family, friends and the world that you have chosen to follow Christ. You are not ashamed of Christ or of being a Christian. Instead, you are glad to be counted as one of his followers.

 

Baptism shows your commitment to Jesus Christ and the church.

 

 
      No one becomes a Christian or reserves a spot in heaven by being baptized. Neither are you condemned to hell if you are not baptized. Baptism is an outward sign of what God has already done inwardly in your life through faith in Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Baptism

 

How does Torrey Pines view the method of baptism?

 

Immersion is preferred simply because the whole body experience more substantially expresses the symbolism of death and resurrection in Christ. However, we acknowledge other forms of baptism, such as sprinkling, as valid.

 

What are the requirements for baptism or dedication at Torrey Pines?

 

We welcome participation in baptism for those who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and are ready to confess their faith. To prepare for a meaningful experience, we encourage all participants to meet with our pastor or attend one of several class options or pre-baptism events.

 

What Should I Expect After Baptism?

 

For some people baptism is an emotional time, where they feel overwhelmed with God's Spirit and love. For other people it serves more as an important marker in their lives, a point in time they can look back on to remind themselves of what God has done in their lives. Invite God to use this experience to touch your heart and mind in ways that will bless you, remind you that God is in your heart, and help make you the person God wants you to be. (And don't forget to bring a towel and some dry clothes.)

 

 

 
A Word to Parents
We encourage you to talk with your child and pray for God's discernment as to his/her readiness. Look for a basic understanding of the gospel message (i.e., God loves us, sending his son, Jesus to show us the extent of God's love; we receive the gift of forgiveness and salvation when we admit our sins and give our hearts and lives to God) and a desire to now love and follow God.

 

 
Additional Thoughts and Scripture

  • Baptism symbolizes Christ's death and resurrection, and our union with God through our own "death and resurrection." Colossians 2: 11,12; 3:3; Romans 6:5

  • Baptism is a reminder that we are free from sin and able to live a new life. Romans 6:4.
  • Baptism is a symbolic representation of a spiritual reality (i.e., an outward sign of an inward grace).  "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:26,27).

 
Additional scripture:
  • Romans 6: 1-4
  • Matthew 3:13-15
  • Acts 2: 36-4
  • I Peter 3:18-22
The following questions may help you in preparing for sharing your testimony:
  • When and how did you become a Christian?
  • Who, besides the work of the Holy Spirit, most influenced you to become a Believer?
  • What has mostly motivated you to get baptized at this time?

 

Baby Dedications

 

Baby dedications recognize the parents' intention to raise their child in the faith and instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ. This also affirms the congregation's responsibility to be a supportive community of faith. In recognizing the redemptive work of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3,4) infant baptism trusts that through the faith of the parents and the presence of the Holy Spirit, children will be sealed in God until the day they personally accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.

 

  
    

This is a celebration of the church that recognizes many of the same things as child baptism, while placing greater emphasis on the child's decision to receive Christ and to be baptized when he or she is old enough to understand what that means.

Either one or both parents (or grandparents) must be registered as members of Torrey Pines Christian Church.

 

 
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