What is Water Baptism?
- Boundless Team
- Mar 12
- 6 min read
Target Audience: Tier 2 – New Believers
Water baptism is when a believer is immersed in water as a public declaration that they belong to Jesus. It doesn’t save you—salvation is by grace through faith—but it shows you’re identifying with His death and resurrection (Romans 6:4).
Why This Matters for FA Memphis and Boundless Online Church
At First Assembly Memphis and Boundless Online Church, we believe baptism isn't just a ritual, it's a joyful celebration of what God has already done in your heart. Whether you're here in Cordova or joining us online from anywhere in the world, we want to help you take this exciting next step in your faith journey.
Today (March 9): Pastoral Staff Meeting at 9:00 AM.
What Baptism Actually Means
Let's start with the basics. Water baptism is one of the first steps you take after deciding to follow Jesus. It's not what saves you, that happened the moment you put your faith in Christ. But baptism is how you tell the world, "I'm all in. I'm following Jesus."
Think of it like a wedding ring. The ring doesn't make you married, the vows and commitment do. But the ring is a public symbol that shows everyone, "This person is taken. I'm committed." Baptism works the same way. It's your public declaration that you belong to Jesus.
Definition Block: Ordinance
Ordinance: A practice Jesus commanded the Church to do as an act of obedience and public witness (like baptism and Communion). An ordinance doesn’t create salvation—it points to what Christ has already done and helps us walk it out faithfully (Matthew 28:19).
The Symbolism Behind Going Under Water
When you're baptized, three powerful things are happening symbolically:
1. You're buried with Christ. Going under the water represents being buried with Jesus in His death. Your old life, the guilt, the shame, the separation from God, is buried and left behind.
2. You're cleansed. Water is a universal symbol of washing and purification. While baptism doesn't physically wash away sin (that's what Jesus' blood does), it's a beautiful picture of being made clean.
3. You're raised to new life. Coming up out of the water represents resurrection, rising to walk in a brand new life with Christ. You're not the same person you were before you met Jesus.
It's a powerful moment. I've seen grown men cry. I've watched teenagers beam with joy. I've witnessed families celebrate together as someone they love takes this step. It's always a big deal.
What the Bible Says About Baptism
Steps of Baptism (and Why Each Step Matters)
Step of Baptism | Scripture | Significance |
Hear the gospel and believe in Jesus | John 3:16; Romans 10:9–10 | Faith in Christ is the starting line—salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. |
Repent (turn to Jesus) | Acts 2:38 | Repentance is a real turning of the heart—saying no to sin and yes to Jesus as Lord. |
Be baptized in water (immersion) | Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4 | Public identification with Jesus: His death, burial, and resurrection. |
Keep growing as a disciple in community | Acts 2:42 | Baptism isn’t graduation—it’s a first step into a life of learning, worship, and belonging. |
Jesus Himself was baptized. In Matthew 3:13-17, Jesus came to John the Baptist and asked to be baptized in the Jordan River. And after Jesus rose from the dead, He gave His followers what we call the Great Commission:
"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." (Matthew 28:19)
Baptism isn't optional, it's a command. But it's not a command given out of duty. It's an invitation to publicly celebrate what God has done in your life.
Throughout the book of Acts, we see baptism happening immediately after people believed. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached the gospel, and about 3,000 people believed and were baptized that same day (Acts 2:41). When Philip shared the gospel with the Ethiopian official, the man said, "Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?" (Acts 8:36). They stopped the chariot right there and did it.
The early church understood something important: baptism is the natural next step after faith.
How We Practice Baptism at First Assembly Memphis
We believe in believer's baptism by immersion. Let me break that down:
Believer's baptism means we baptize people who have made a personal decision to follow Jesus. It's not something done to infants or children who haven't yet understood the gospel. We wait until someone is old enough to understand what it means to trust Jesus and can make that choice for themselves.
Immersion means we fully submerge the person under water. We don't just sprinkle water on the head. Why? Because immersion best represents the full picture of death, burial, and resurrection. You go all the way under (buried with Christ) and all the way back up (raised to new life).
We baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). This reflects our belief in the Trinity, one God in three persons, and it's been the practice of the church for over 2,000 years.
Baptism and the Assemblies of God
As an Assemblies of God church, we hold to the 16 Fundamental Truths, which are the core doctrines we believe and teach. Here's what we believe about baptism:
"The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Saviour and Lord are to be baptized. Thus they declare to the world that they have died with Christ and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life." (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 6:4)
Baptism is an ordinance, a practice commanded by Jesus, but it's not a sacrament in the sense that it saves you or infuses you with grace. Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Baptism is your obedient response to that salvation.
When Should I Get Baptized?
As soon as you've decided to follow Jesus. Seriously, there's no reason to wait.
Some people think they need to "get their life together" first or "be a better Christian" before they're ready. But here's the thing: baptism isn't about being perfect. It's about being honest. It's saying, "I'm a sinner, and I need Jesus. I'm putting my faith in Him, and I want everyone to know."
If you've already trusted Jesus as your Savior, you're ready.
What Happens at a Baptism Service in Memphis?
Our baptism services are some of the most joyful, celebratory gatherings we have. Here's what you can expect:
You'll share your story. We'll give you a chance to briefly share why you decided to follow Jesus. Don't worry, you don't have to write a sermon. Just a sentence or two about what God has done in your life.
You'll be baptized. One of our pastors will pray with you and baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We'll celebrate with you. Your church family will cheer, clap, and celebrate this incredible moment with you.
Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and your family and friends. We'll take care of the rest.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re in Memphis, Cordova, Bartlett, Arlington—or anywhere in the 901—come see us on a Sunday. We’ve got Sunday Classes at 9:30 AM and Worship at 10:30 AM, and we’ll help you understand baptism, answer your questions, and take the next step at the right time.
If you’re connecting with Boundless Online Church, we can still help you move forward—whether that means guiding you through the basics, helping you find a healthy local church near you, or getting you connected to community and discipleship online.
Also, if you want to keep learning, here are two next-step reads:
Baptism is a big deal, but it’s also a joyful one. It’s your chance to say out loud what you’ve already decided in your heart: I’m following Jesus.
Let's Celebrate Together
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.)
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
If you're outside our area or unable to attend locally, join us online: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
We are here for you.
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