Christian Living: What Is Baptism and Why Should You Take This Step of Faith?
- Boundless Team
- Jul 9
- 5 min read
Taking the plunge into a pool of water might seem like a simple act, but when it’s done in the name of Jesus, it becomes the most profound "yes" you will ever say.
What is water baptism? Baptism is a public declaration of your private decision to follow Jesus Christ. It is an outward symbol of an inward change, signifying that your old life is buried and you have been raised to walk in a new, Spirit-empowered life through faith.
The Power of the Public "Yes"
At First Assembly Memphis, we believe that baptism is more than just a church tradition; it is a vital milestone in your spiritual journey. Whether you are in Memphis, Cordova, Bartlett, Arlington, or joining us through our global Boundless community, this step represents a definitive line in the sand. It is the moment you tell the world, and remind your own soul, that you belong to God.
When we talk about baptism, we aren’t talking about a ritual that earns you salvation. Instead, we are talking about an act of obedience. Jesus Himself was baptized, and He commanded His followers to do the same. It is a beautiful, cinematic moment where the physical meets the spiritual, and your faith becomes visible to everyone around you.
Understanding the Biblical Foundation
To understand why we do what we do, we have to look at the "Why" behind the water. In the Assemblies of God tradition, we hold to specific biblical guardrails that ensure our practices align with the heart of Scripture.
Concept | Biblical Meaning |
Repentance | A sincere turning away from sin and toward God. |
Faith | Trusting in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. |
Immersion | Being fully submerged in water to represent burial and resurrection. |
Ordinance | A practice commanded by Jesus for the Church to observe. |
Baptism is an Ordinance, Not a Sacrament
This is a key distinction. Some traditions believe that baptism itself is what saves you (a sacrament). We believe that salvation is a gift of grace received through faith before you ever touch the water. Baptism is an ordinance, a command from our King that allows us to demonstrate what has already happened in our hearts.
Why Immersion?
The word "baptize" comes from the Greek word baptizo, which literally means to submerge or immerse. When you go under the water at FA Memphis, it beautifully illustrates the burial of your old self. When you come up out of the water, it mirrors the resurrection of Jesus. You are literally acting out the Gospel story with your own body.
Key Definitions for Your Journey
As you prepare for this step, it helps to understand the language of our faith. Here are a few "Bible 101" terms that will help clarify what God is doing in your life:
Salvation: The act of being rescued from the power and penalty of sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Sanctification: The lifelong process of being set apart by God and becoming more like Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Repentance: Not just feeling sorry, but a 180-degree turn in your life’s direction, walking away from your old ways and toward God’s ways.
The Great Commission: Jesus’ command in Matthew 28 to go and make disciples of all nations, "baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
5 Reasons to Take This Step at FA Memphis
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about baptism, here are five practical reasons why now is the time to sign up and step in.
To Follow the Example of Jesus: Jesus wasn’t baptized because He had sin to wash away; He did it to "fulfill all righteousness" and set a pattern for us to follow.
To Obey the Command of Christ: In the New Testament, the pattern is clear: believe, then be baptized. It is your first act of discipleship.
To Publicly Identify with Your Church Family: Whether you are part of the local 901 community or our Boundless Online Church, baptism is a way of saying, "These are my people, and this is my God."
To Experience Spiritual Breakthrough: There is something powerful about the act of obedience. Many people find that baptism marks a moment of significant emotional and spiritual healing.
To Strengthen Your Family: When a parent or a student gets baptized, it sends a message of faith to the entire household. It’s a legacy-building moment.
Is It Time for You to Be Re-Baptized?
We often get asked: "I was baptized as an infant; do I need to be baptized again?" Because we practice Believer’s Baptism, we believe the biblical pattern is that baptism happens after a personal decision to follow Christ. If your previous baptism was a decision made for you by your parents, we invite you to make this decision for yourself today. It isn't about "undoing" what your parents did; it's about confirming your own adult faith in a way that aligns with the biblical model of immersion and personal repentance.
Preparing for Your Baptism Day
At First Assembly Memphis, we want this to be a joyful, stress-free experience. If you are joining us in person at our Memphis or Cordova area locations, we provide everything you need, from a "Baptized" t-shirt to towels and a change of clothes. You don’t need to be perfect to get in the water; you just need to be willing.
For our global family at Boundless Online Church, we celebrate your baptism with you! Many of our online members coordinate with local believers or find creative ways to fulfill this ordinance while staying connected to our digital community. No matter where you are in the world, the meaning remains the same: you are New.
Life Takeaway: Your New Identity
The water of baptism doesn't just wash your skin; it marks your soul. When you walk away from the tank, you aren't just a "better version" of yourself. You are a new creation. The shame of the past is left under the surface. The anxiety of "not being enough" is replaced by the reality of being a child of God.
If you live in the 901, from the streets of Memphis to the suburbs of Arlington and Bartlett, know that your church family is ready to cheer you on. And if you’re joining us from across the globe, our digital community is waiting to celebrate your transformation.
Are You Ready to Go All In?
The water is ready, and the invitation is open. Baptism is the gateway to a deeper, more committed walk with God. It is the beginning of a life lived with purpose, power, and the peace that only Jesus can provide.
Will you take the next step and let the world know you belong to Jesus?
We'd love to connect with you. Visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org to join our community from anywhere, or if you're in the Memphis area, find us at www.famemphis.org.
Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)
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