LETTER FROM OUR PASTOR
I’m so glad you’re taking time to explore the meaning of baptism. Whether you’re new to faith or have walked with Jesus for years, considering baptism is a powerful and personal moment in your spiritual journey. At Caldwell Assembly, we believe baptism is more than a ritual—it’s a sacred step of obedience that publicly declares the inward transformation that’s already taken place through a relationship with Jesus. Baptism doesn’t save us, but it boldly proclaims that we’ve been saved by grace through faith in Christ. It’s a symbol of His death, burial, and resurrection—and through it, we identify with His life and commit to following Him daily. This is a decision that should be made prayerfully and personally, with a full understanding of what it means. That’s why we encourage every person—adults and children alike—to approach baptism with clarity and conviction. For children, we generally recommend waiting until the age of eight or older, when they can more fully grasp the significance of this moment in their faith. No matter your age, background, or story, if you’ve placed your faith in Jesus and are ready to take this next step, I want you to know—we’re here for you, and we’re celebrating with you!
UNDERSTANDING BAPTISM
Baptism is a meaningful step in the life of every believer. It’s more than a tradition or ritual—it’s a public declaration of your personal decision to follow Jesus. While salvation comes by grace through faith, baptism is the outward expression of the inward transformation Christ has begun in your life. At Caldwell Assembly, we believe that baptism is a powerful moment of obedience and celebration. It reflects our identification with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection. It’s a step that says, “My old life is gone, and I now live for Christ.”
As you consider being baptized, take time to reflect on your spiritual journey. This isn’t about perfect answers, but about understanding what this decision truly means.
Here are a few questions to guide your heart and mind:
1.WHEN DID YOU MAKE THE DECISION TO FOLLOW JESUS?
Can you recall a moment when you recognized your need for Him and chose to surrender your life to Him? Every faith journey is personal, but baptism is best taken when you're aware of that decision and committed to living for Him.
2. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE WATER BAPTIZED?
Baptism is a public act that represents a spiritual truth. It shows that you are following Jesus, that your old life has been washed away, and that you’ve been raised to new life in Him. It doesn’t save you—it proclaims that you have been saved.
3. WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE BAPTIZED?
Jesus was baptized, and He calls His followers to do the same. Baptism is an act of obedience, a way to follow His example, and an opportunity to publicly declare your commitment to Him.
If your heart is ready and you understand the significance of this step, we’d be honored to walk with you into this next chapter of your faith.
WHAT IF I'M NOT READY TO BE BAPTIZED?
If you’re not sure you fully understand what baptism means or don’t feel ready to take that step—that’s okay. Baptism should come from a place of personal conviction, not pressure. Take time to seek God, study His Word, and ask questions. We’d love to walk alongside you in that journey. Our baptism devotional is a great resource to help you explore what baptism is all about.
WHAT IF I AM READY TO BE BAPTIZED?
If you’ve placed your faith in Jesus and understand the significance of baptism, we’d love to celebrate this step with you! We encourage you to read through our baptism devotional to prepare your heart. When you’re ready, you can sign up for the next Baptism Sunday—we’ll be honored to stand with you as you go public with your faith.
JESUS COMMANDMENT
OBEYING JESUS' EXAMPLE
MATT. 28:19–20 (NLT)
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Baptism is one of the first acts of obedience for anyone who chooses to follow Jesus. To be a disciple means more than simply believing in Jesus—it means walking in His ways, living out His teachings, and committing to grow in relationship with Him.
Jesus not only commanded baptism—He modeled it. When we are baptized, we follow His example and publicly declare our faith and commitment to Him. It’s a bold and beautiful step that says, “I belong to Jesus, and I’m choosing to follow Him with my life.”
If you've made the decision to trust in Christ, baptism is your next step—an outward sign of the inward transformation God has already begun in your heart.
MATT. 3:13-17 (NLT)
“Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”
But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him. After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
Just as Jesus was baptized, we too follow His example, publicly declaring our faith and aligning ourselves with His teachings.
WHY BE BAPTIZED?
AN OUTWARD EXPRESSION OF AN INNER TRANSFORMATION.
COLOSSIANS 2:12 (NLT)
“For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”
Baptism is a physical act that symbolizes a spiritual reality. It represents the death of your old self and the beginning of your new life in Christ. When you go under the water, it signifies being buried with Christ, and as you rise, it represents being raised to new life through faith in Him.
ROMANS 10:9-10 (NLT)
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”
This is why baptism involves full immersion in water—it symbolizes the burial of your old self, along with all past sins, with Christ. As you rise from the water, you declare that you have been made new through Jesus, embracing the new life He has given you. This outward act is a powerful representation of the transformation that has taken place within your heart.
Baptism is a celebration of the new life you have received in Jesus. It is not what saves you, but it is an important step of faith that confirms and proclaims your salvation.
ROMANS 8:11 (NLT)
“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
A STEP OF FAITH AND COMMITMENT
ROMANS 6:4 (NLT)
“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.”
Baptism is a declaration of faith—a commitment to follow Jesus for the rest of your life. While it is not required for salvation, it is an important and meaningful step in your journey with Christ. It serves as a lifelong reminder of the decision you made to walk in faith and live according to God’s will.
WHAT BAPTISM MEANS FOR YOU:
-It is a public declaration of your faith.
-It symbolizes your transformation through Christ.
-It serves as a reminder of your commitment to follow Jesus.
SIGN UP TO BE BAPTIZED TODAY!
Click the link below to sign up for our next BAPTISM SUNDAY.
