What is Baptism?
Baptism is an exciting event in the life of a Believer—and we celebrate it enthusiastically! We believe that baptism is the public declaration of our allegiance to Jesus, and our identification with his death and resurrection.
Hillside practices baptism by immersion. As the Believer goes beneath the water, they are declaring that their old self is being buried through death with Christ, leaving behind their former way of life and being freed from the power of sin. And as the believer rises out of the water, they celebrate that they have been raised to new life, and that it is now Christ who lives in them through the Holy Spirit.
Why should you get baptized?
- Baptism preaches the gospel. In baptism, we proclaim to the world that our allegiance is to another King. Our hearts have been changed by the sacrificial kindness of Jesus, who transforms enemies into family (Rom 5:6-8).
- Baptism is an act of obedience. Jesus commands believes to be baptized in Matt 28:19: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Jesus doesn’t mince words. To follow Jesus is to declare allegiance to him through the act of baptism.
- Baptism is the pattern of the church. The book of Acts demonstrates that whenever the gospel is embraced, the Spirit leads people (even whole households) to be baptized! It’s one of the clearest ways of identifying as a follower of Jesus.
In baptism we preach the gospel, walk in obedience to Jesus, and follow the pattern of the early Church. Have you been baptized? Do you want to take the next step of faith in following Jesus? Baptism is our joyful proclamation to the world of the one who is making all things new!
If you’re ready to take the next step of baptism—or if you’d like to talk to someone a little more about it—sign up here to let us know!
Do you have a child that’s interested in being baptized? Go here for information and tools to help you understand the process and discern if your child is ready.