WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism is a public acknowledgment of your faith in Jesus Christ. It doesn't save you, but it is the next step after your salvation. The Bible clearly teaches that baptism is the first step of obedience after making a commitment to Christ.
In Matthew 28:19-20, Christ tells His followers to "make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." The book of Acts demonstrates how the early church put Christ's command into practice:
Acts 8:12 But when they
believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God
and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
Acts 8:36-38 Now as they went
down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here
is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip
said, “If you
believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said,
“I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the
chariot to stand still.
And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized
him.
Acts 18:8 Then
Crispus, the
ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And
many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
Baptism is a specific and tangible way to express our loving obedience to God. It also allows us to publicly communicate our commitment to Christ. Baptism symbolizes Christ's death, burial, and resurrection as well as the new life we receive by believing in Him. Romans 6:3-4 reminds us that "we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
Because the Scriptural pattern is for baptism to follow salvation, only those who are trusting in Christ alone to save them may be baptized. If you are unsure of your salvation, please visit our Salvation page or contact us for more information.
HOW CAN I BE BAPTIZED?
Baptisms at Harvest are scheduled by request and usually take place during one of our evening services.
If you have questions about baptism or would like to be baptized, please email us or call the church office at 803.325.1120. We will provide a brief Bible study for you to complete, and one of our pastors or deacons will meet with you to go over your testimony of salvation and your desire to be baptized.
Next, visit our Join page to learn about growing as a Christian and getting involved in a Bible-believing church.