Baptism

What is Baptism?

We believe baptism is an outward expression of an internal reality - the washing and renewal that happens when we confess Jesus is our Savior and Lord. Baptism does not save a person; it is a proclamation and celebration.

Why Baptism?

Baptism provides an opportunity for believers to celebrate with the local church as they make a formal profession of their faith.

The Process

Once you have completed the registration, you will be contacted by a Pastor to go over your testimony and talk about why you want to be baptized. There will be a short Baptism Orientation class that will take place the week before your baptism.

Baptism Stories

Upcoming Baptisms

What the Scripture Says

We are commanded to be baptized in Matthew 28:19-20 and we follow Jesus’ example in Matthew 3:13-17 when He was baptized by John the Baptist. As the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 6:3-4, it also identifies us with Jesus’ death and resurrection.

A New Life in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that “in Christ, we are a new creation.” Stepping into the waters of baptism symbolizes the cleansing that has already occurred by God’s grace and the new life one has in Jesus Christ.

Service Details

The Apostle Paul shares a picture of baptism in Colossians 2:12. With this in mind, we baptize by immersion one time backwards. This represents what occurred at your conversion to faith in Jesus Christ. As you enter the water backwards, it is a beautiful picture of the washing of your sin through death to the old way of life. As you come up out of the water, it symbolizes your new life in Christ.

FAQs

Who is eligible for baptism?

Any individual over the age of 12 who has made a personal decision to trust Jesus Christ for their salvation is eligible for baptism (2 Corinthians 5:17) or anyone who was baptized as an infant and has now made a proclamation of faith as an adult.

What is the difference between infant baptism and believer’s baptism?

Infant baptism is a decision made by parents on behalf of their child. It is practiced in some denominations. Believer’s baptism is performed when an individual consciously decides to follow Christ and is what we practice at The Church at Rancho Bernardo.

In Matthew 19:13-14 and Mark 10:13-16, we find parents bringing their children to Jesus. He held them, laid His hands on them, and prayed for them. However, Jesus did not baptize them and He did not tell anyone else to baptize them. Baptism is designated for those who have made a personal decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation; therefore, it is the request of the pastoral staff at the Church of Rancho Bernardo that children wait until they are twelve years old to be baptized.

How should I prepare for my baptism?

After talking with a Pastor and attending the Baptism Orientation, a time of personal reflection on what baptism means to you personally is important. You will be asked to write a short personal testimony as to what your life was like before Christ and how it changed when you entered into a relationship with Him.