Baptism

If you are reading this page, it is likely that you are considering being baptized. At the Vineyard we believe that this is one of the most exciting & important steps you will take in your walk with Christ!

We have prepared the following to deal with some common questions. If you have further questions, or would like to sign up to be baptized, please contact our church office.

I. Why should I be baptized?

1. To follow the example set by Jesus.

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. (Mark 1:9)

2. Because Christ commands it.

Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of 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)

3. It demonstrates that I really am a follower of Christ.

many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized (Acts 18:8)

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. (1 Jn 2:3)

II. What is the meaning of Baptism?

1. It illustrates Christ's Burial and Resurrection.

Christ died for our sins, He was buried and He was rose again on the third day.
(1 Cor. 15:3-4
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. (Col. 2:12)

2. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.

When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun! (2 Cor. 5:17 [Liv])

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. (Romans 6:4)

Baptism doesn't make you a believer, it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring, it's the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
(Ephes. 2:8-9)

III. Why do we Baptize by immersion?

At the Vineyard Church of Ithaca we baptize by immersion. These are the reasons why we Baptize by immersion:

1. Because Jesus was Baptized that way.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. (Matthew 3:16)

2. Every Baptism in the New Testament was by immersion

And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water (Acts 8:38-39)

3. The word “Baptize” means to “to dip”.

The Greek word baptizo means “to immerse or dip into water”.

4. It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!

IV. Who should be baptized?

Those who accepted his message were baptized. (Acts 2:41)

But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. (Acts 8:12-13)

At Vineyard, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. We call this practice “child dedication”. It does not have anything to do with “Baptism”.

This is VERY different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.

At the Ithaca Vineyard baptism is a requirement for church membership.

V. When should I be Baptized?

As soon as you have believed!

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:41)

Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 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 8:35-38)

There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect”, you'll never feel “good enough!”

VI. Can my family be Baptized together?

Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. Young children who wish to be baptized are asked to meet with our Children’s Director for a pre-baptism conversation.

However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.

VII. What should I wear when I am baptized?

Women should wear shorts and a top or sweat cloths rather than a swimsuit. Men may wear a swimsuit & t-shirt. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.

VIII. Will I have to say anything?

If you would like to great! If not, you will not have to. At the beginning of the service, we will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the water for your turn to be baptized. We will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and then you can leave the pool, dry off, and watch the others. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.

If you would like to be baptized, or would like to discuss this further, please speak to James Cherian, our Pastor of Connections.

IX. Special needs?

We can perform a private baptism, in special circumstances.