BAPTISM

 Following Jesus is a life of joyful obedience. One aspect of our relationship with Jesus is faithfulness to be baptized.




What You'll Learn Here

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STEPS TO BAPTISM

Discover the journey of faith and the steps to take as you prepare for baptism.

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WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Learn the meaning and significance of baptism as a step of faith in following Jesus.

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WHY DO WE BAPTIZE?

Explore the purpose and importance of baptism as a declaration of faith and obedience to Jesus.

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HOW DO WE BAPTIZE?

Discover what you can expect during baptism, from preparation to the moment itself.

STEPS TO BAPTISM

THE FIRST STEP

The first step is to better understand the meaning and process of baptism by reading through the information below.  



NEXT

Let us know you are considering baptism by filling out the baptism form below.  A staff member is ready to walk with you through each step of this important decision. 
ADULTS & TEENAGERS
KIDS

THEN

After submitting the baptism form, a member of our team will follow up with you to help you through each step.








If you’d like to talk with a team member first, please call the FBG Offices at 512.869.2586. Just let us know you’re interested in being baptized, and we’ll help guide you every step of the way!

WHAT IS BAPTISM

Christian baptism is the activity of the local church immersing a believer in water in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried and risen Savior; the believer’s death to sin; the burial of the old life; and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony of the believer’s faith in the final resurrection of the dead.

 
Common Questions
Does baptism save me?
No, baptism itself doesn’t save. Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism is a way to show others that you’ve been saved, not a way to be saved. It’s an act of obedience, reflecting a heart that desires to follow Jesus.
Christian baptism is an act where a believer is immersed in water by the local church, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It symbolizes faith in Jesus, a turning away from sin, and new life in Christ, pointing to the promise of the final resurrection.
Ephesians 2:8-9: "For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast."
 
Do I receive the Holy Spirit when I am baptized?
No, the Holy Spirit is received when a person believes in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Baptism doesn’t add the Holy Spirit; He comes into your life at conversion.
Acts 10:47-48: "Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” Then he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

WHY DO WE BAPTIZE?

BELIEVER’S BAPTISM
Baptism is an outward expression of faith in Jesus, so it’s meant for those who already believe. As Christians, we trust that Jesus’ death, shed blood, and resurrection are the foundation for the forgiveness of our sins. Salvation happens when we place our faith in Jesus as the sufficient payment for our sins. If you believe in Jesus, you’re ready to be baptized!
Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 5:8: "But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!"
Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 10:9-10: "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
John 3:36: "The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who refuses to believe in the Son will not see life."
Acts 4:12: "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people, and we must be saved by it."
 
 
 
ACT OF OBEDIENCE
Jesus instructed us to baptize those who believe (Matthew 28:19-20). In Acts, every person who decided to follow Jesus was baptized, showing that baptism is a step of obedience and a fruit of our love for God.
Acts 2:41-42: "Those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them."
Acts 16:30-33: "Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved … Right away he and all his family were baptized."



SYMBOL OF NEW LIFE
Baptism symbolizes what Jesus has done in your life. Going under the water represents dying to your old life; coming up symbolizes your new life in Christ, cleansed from sin.
Romans 6:3-5: "We were buried with Him by baptism … just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too may walk in newness of life."
Colossians 2:12: "Having been buried with Him in baptism, you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God."


PUBLIC WITNESS
Baptism is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus, testifying that He is your Savior and Lord. It encourages others to love God as they see your commitment to Him.



Common Questions
What if I was baptized before but wasn’t yet saved?
If you’ve since made a decision to follow Jesus and haven’t been baptized since, it’s time to be baptized. Baptism after salvation is the biblical model.
What if I was baptized in a different denomination?
Baptism at FBG is about following Scripture’s guidance, not denomination. If you were baptized by immersion in the name of Jesus, as an expression of your faith and in obedience to His command, that aligns with Christian baptism. If your baptism didn’t follow this, we encourage you to consider biblical baptism by immersion.
What if I was baptized as an infant?
Since baptism is a personal declaration of faith, it’s reserved for those who have made a conscious decision to follow Jesus. If you were baptized as an infant, you’re invited to be baptized now as a believer.
What if I want to be baptized somewhere other than the church?
Baptism is often a special moment celebrated with your local church family. Whether in a church building or another meaningful location, the goal is to make your baptism a testimony to others of God’s work in your life and to connect with the church body as a witness of your faith.

HOW DO WE BAPTIZE?

By Immersion
The word “baptism” comes from the Greek word meaning “to immerse.” This meaning, along with descriptions in Scripture, points to baptism by immersion. In Acts 8:36-38, Philip shares the good news with an Ethiopian man, who then believes in Jesus. When they come across water, he asks to be baptized. They stop, and both "go down into the water" for his baptism. Similarly, in John 3:23, people were baptized where “plenty of water” was available, supporting immersion as the practice.
John 3:22-23: “After this, Jesus and His disciples went to the Judean countryside, where He spent time with them and baptized. John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People were coming and being baptized.”
Acts 8:35-39: “Philip told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled, they came to some water. The man said, ‘Look, there’s water! What would keep me from being baptized?’ Philip replied, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ Then they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.”


Common Questions
Who can baptize?
Baptism is a celebration of the local church, so it’s administered under the church’s leadership. Anyone designated by church leaders can perform baptisms as part of our community's shared faith.