Water Baptism Class - El Refugio Church

Water Baptism Orientation - El Refugio Church

Welcome! We are thrilled that you are considering water baptism. This class will help you understand the meaning and significance of this important step in your walk with Christ.

The Great Commission and Baptism

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." **(Matthew 28:18-20)**

Congratulations on reaching this point in your Christian walk. Baptism is as old as Christianity itself. From the first pages of the New Testament, we see that baptism is a very important part of the process in growing as a Christian. We believe that as we answer the following questions, your understanding of baptism and of your Christian faith will grow even more.

Quick Check:

Who commanded His followers to be baptized?
A) Peter
B) John the Baptist
C) Jesus
D) Paul
According to the text, how old is baptism?
A) It started with Constantine.
B) It's as old as Christianity itself.
C) It began with John the Baptist.
D) It was introduced by the Roman Empire.
What does this passage from Matthew emphasize about Jesus' authority?
A) His authority on Earth only.
B) His authority in heaven only.
C) All authority in heaven and earth.
D) His authority over the disciples only.

What is Baptism?

Baptism is an important act of obedience and statement to the world that a person has experienced spiritual rebirth. It is accomplished by immersion in water. Baptism is symbolic of your identification with Christ in His burial and in His resurrection. When the person is lowered under the water, it signifies their identification with Christ's dying for their sins. Coming up out of the water identifies with His resurrection to newness of life. The Bible mentions this in several verses:

"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection." (Romans 6:4-5)
"Having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12)

Quick Check:

What two things does baptism symbolize?
A) Eating and drinking.
B) Christ's burial and resurrection.
C) Believing and praying.
D) Membership and giving.
How is baptism typically accomplished according to this teaching?
A) By sprinkling water.
B) By pouring water.
C) By immersion in water.
D) By anointing with oil.
What spiritual event is symbolized by going under the water and coming out?
A) Forgiveness of sins and acceptance into the church.
B) Identification with Christ's dying for sins and resurrection to new life.
C) A public declaration of faith and joining a community.
D) Cleansing from past mistakes and receiving new wisdom.

Why Do We Believe in Immersion?

In every instance in the Bible where a baptism takes place, there was a lot of water, the person was immersed under the water, and they also "came up" out of the water. The idea of sprinkling for baptism came about when Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire under Constantine. Entire communities needed baptism under his edict and it was simpler and faster to sprinkle large crowds at one time.

"Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.'" (Acts 2:38)
"As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, 'Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?' And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him." (Acts 8:36-38)

Quick Check:

What key elements of biblical baptisms support immersion?
A) People were sprinkled, and it happened in churches.
B) There was a lot of water, people went down into it, and came up out of it.
C) It was done with a small amount of water from a basin.
D) It was a quick and simple ceremony.
According to the text, when and why did sprinkling for baptism become common?
A) It was the original method in the Bible for large groups.
B) It became common under Constantine to quickly baptize large crowds.
C) It was introduced by Peter for convenience.
D) It was a tradition from the Old Testament.

Who Can Be Baptized? What is the Qualification?

Scripture indicates that the only requirement for baptism is that a person becomes a believer, or, that a person has accepted Jesus Christ into their life and has an ongoing spiritual relationship with Him. Baptism is the outward symbol of a spiritual act that has taken place in an individual's life.

Quick Check:

What is the sole qualification for baptism according to scripture?
A) Being a church member.
B) Being an infant.
C) Becoming a believer in Christ.
D) Attending a baptism class.
What does baptism outwardly symbolize?
A) Becoming wealthy.
B) A spiritual act that has taken place in an individual's life.
C) Joining a social club.
D) Completing a religious course.

Does El Refugio Church Baptize Children or Infants?

There are two primary reasons why we do not baptize infants at El Refugio Church:

Lack of Biblical teaching or example: Nowhere in God’s word (Old or New Testaments) do we find one example of children being baptized. We find examples of children being dedicated to the Lord by their parents, but not baptism.
Baptism is a reflection of one’s conscious decision: We do not baptize infants because we feel that baptism first requires a person to have made a conscious decision to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Infants are not capable of making that kind of decision.

We do have dedication ceremonies for infants. We rely upon the judgment of parents in deciding when a child should be baptized. If the parent feels the child has made a commitment and understands what it means to know Christ, and they understand what baptism is, then we gladly offer baptism to them. We do not have a set age for children to be baptized.

Quick Check:

What are the two main reasons El Refugio Church does not baptize infants?
A) It's too messy and infants cry too much.
B) Lack of biblical teaching/example and baptism requires a conscious decision.
C) Infants are too small for the baptistery and it's not a family event.
D) Only older adults can be baptized, regardless of their decision.
What alternative ceremony does El Refugio Church offer for infants?
A) Confirmation classes.
B) Baby dedications.
C) Holy Communion.
D) Anointing with oil.

What If I Was Sprinkled as a Child, or Have Been Baptized Before?

Some people who were baptized as a child realize that their early baptisms may have been decisions that were made for them, or they did not fully understand the implications of what they were doing. Many people reach a point of recommitment in their lives and desire to make the baptism a more meaningful event in their spiritual walk, a point of starting over. Although the Bible only requires one baptism, it does not restrict a person from being baptized more than once. It was common for the Jews in the Bible to be baptized several times as they crossed meaningful moments in their lives. That is why we try to encourage people to clearly understand what baptism is, so it will be a lasting and meaningful event in their life.

Quick Check:

Why might someone who was baptized as a child consider being baptized again?
A) They forgot their first baptism.
B) Their early baptism was a decision made for them, or they didn't fully understand it.
C) They want to show off their new faith.
D) It's a requirement for all church members.
Does the Bible restrict a person from being baptized more than once?
A) Yes, it says only one baptism is allowed.
B) No, it mentions Jews were baptized multiple times at meaningful moments.
C) The Bible doesn't mention it at all.
D) Only if they change denominations.

Does Baptism Assure Me That I Will Go to Heaven?

No, it does not.

Does Baptism Require Church Membership or Make Me a Church Member?

You do not have to become a member of our church in order to be baptized, and you will not become a member once you are baptized. Baptism is an act that should follow immediately after a person has made a decision to accept Christ. Membership in our church does require baptism but being baptized does not make one a member. The Pre-membership Information Class is the best way to find out about El Refugio Church membership. Baptism however, is much like participating in a communion service. It is available to anyone who is a Christian and does not require membership.

Quick Check:

Does baptism guarantee entry into heaven?
A) Yes, absolutely.
B) No, it does not.
C) Only if combined with church membership.
D) Only if performed by a specific pastor.
Does being baptized automatically make you a member of El Refugio Church?
A) Yes, always.
B) No, it does not.
C) Only if you also attend all services.
D) Only if you sign a membership agreement immediately.
What is the best way to learn about church membership at El Refugio Church?
A) Just get baptized.
B) The Pre-membership Information Class.
C) Ask Pastor Cody Van Pelt during a Sunday service.
D) Read the church's mission statement online.

Concluding Statements

We realize that this has not been a comprehensive study on the topic of baptism, but we hope it has answered some of the basic questions that you might have on the subject. We hope this will only encourage you to study more, and to be excited about the prospect of following our Lord's example in water baptism. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Please fill out the form below and let us know that you've taken the Baptism course online and want to get baptized!

Contact Us

Call Us

Find Us