Follow Jesus in Baptism

A man stands waist-deep in water and grips another man's hand during a baptism.
Baptism at NHCC

Raised to Life

When you trust Jesus, baptism is how you say so in public. Going under the water pictures dying with Christ. Coming up out of the water pictures being raised to new life with Him.

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 (ESV)

Thinking about baptism? Start with the questions below, then talk with one of our pastors.

Not sure you have trusted Jesus yet? Begin with Trust in Jesus.

Frequently Asked Questions

We emphasize baptism because the Bible does. Jesus commands His church to make disciples and baptize them (Matthew 28:18-20). In the book of Acts, people heard the gospel, believed, and then were baptized (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 16:30-34). You become a Christian when you turn from sin and trust Christ, and baptism is the first step of obedience that follows. The water pictures the cleansing that only the blood of Jesus gives (1 Peter 1:18-19).

If you have trusted Christ, God has forgiven you by grace through faith (Romans 8:1; Colossians 2:13-14). Baptism does not earn that forgiveness. Baptism is the first step of obedience Jesus gives every believer (Matthew 28:19). At Pentecost, Peter told the crowd, “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, ESV). Your baptism also tells your family and friends, in public, that you belong to Jesus.

We baptize by immersion because that is what the Bible pictures. When Jesus was baptized, He “went up from the water” (Matthew 3:16, ESV). When Philip baptized the Ethiopian official, they “went down into the water” and “came up out of the water” (Acts 8:38-39, ESV). The Greek word baptizō means to dip or immerse. Going under and coming up pictures your death, burial, and resurrection with Christ (Romans 6:3-4). If a health condition makes immersion difficult, talk with one of our pastors.

There is no set age. Baptism is for anyone who has trusted Christ and can explain that decision in their own words. We do not baptize infants, because every baptism in Scripture follows a profession of faith. Children sometimes want to be baptized to please a parent or because a friend did. Read Scripture with your child and ask them to tell you why they want to be baptized. Then let one of our pastors help you decide together.

  • We believe that it is the primary responsibility of the parent to disciple their child (Deut. 6). You can do it, we can help!

  • Usually baptism immediately follows a profession of faith both in adults and children. In both cases, the new believer is far from mature and will not yet grasp what comes with maturity (see Hebrews 6:1-3).

  • The Lord Jesus Himself encouraged children to come to Him and we should do the same in a wise and Biblical manner. Baptism is a first step of obedience. It shows on the outside what Jesus has done on the inside, and you will understand it more fully as you grow (Romans 6:1-4).

  • Only God knows the heart and it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that a heart can be changed.

  • The real question is whether your child’s faith is their own. Look for a child who understands their sin, trusts Jesus to forgive them, and wants to follow Him. Young children think in concrete terms, and many are still growing into what sin and grace mean. Waiting a little longer is often wise. Every child matures at their own pace, so our pastors will walk with you and your child.

Use the word trust, because children understand it. Explain that sin separates us from God: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, ESV). Show them that Jesus paid for our sin: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, ESV). Tell them that following Jesus means He is now Lord of their life (Romans 12:1). Then share your own story of trusting Jesus.

Take Your Next Steps

Talk to a Pastor.

Tell us where you are, and we will walk with you through the decision.

Email John Wilson

Attend a baptism class.

Classes meet at least once a quarter and before each baptism Sunday. Check Events for the next date.

See Class Dates

Get baptized.  

Fill out the request form, and we will schedule your baptism.

Request Baptism