Baptism

What Is Baptism?

The outward, public expression of an inward, private change. It is the first step of obedience in following Christ, showing that a believer has been buried with Christ and raised again for the forgiveness of their sins. At Mars Hill Church, we strive to be as authentic as possible to the practice of baptism we see in Scripture—an act of confession and obedience following personal faith in Christ. For this reason, we believe baptism involves four things:

› THE RIGHT PERSON – an individual who has knowingly repented of their sins and confessed Jesus as Savior.

› THE RIGHT REASON – seeking to obey and confess faith in response to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit and grace of God in Jesus, rather than trying to earn salvation through a religious activity..

› THE RIGHT METHOD – by full immersion under water, picturing death and resurrection.

› THE RIGHT AUTHORITY – in a local Christian church that believes the Bible is God’s authoritative word (Acts 2:41-47).

Who Can Be Baptized?

Any person who has turned from sin and trusted Jesus Christ for salvation. They understand their own sinfulness and need for grace, and they rest fully in Christ’s finished work.

Is Baptism Required For Salvation?

No. Baptism is an act of obedience, not the conveyor of saving grace (Titus 3:4–7). Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone. Baptism is an outward expression that God’s grace has changed your life.

Is Baptism Required To Be a Member of Mars Hill Church?

Baptism not only identifies us with Christ, but also with his people (Gal 3:24-26, 1 Cor 12:12-13). Because we believe that baptism is a sign of the believer’s identification with the Church (Matt 28:19; Acts 2:41-42, 8:36-39; Rom 6:1-11; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 2:11-12), membership at Mars Hill Church is composed of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and have participated in the ordinance of baptism.

Do I Need To Be Re-baptized?

We are often asked, “Do I need to be re-baptized if I was sprinkled/ baptized as an infant?” Because Mars Hill Church practices credobaptism (baptism upon confession of faith), we would encourage anyone to be baptized upon repentance and faith (whether a person was sprinkled as an infant or came to faith without any prior religious experience). We encourage this because of the pattern we see in Scripture, because of the significance of baptism as an act of obedience and confession, and because baptism is such a vivid picture and joyful opportunity for you to declare what God has done in your life. However, we do not require anyone to get re-baptized for membership consideration.

Why Should I Get Baptized? 

After repenting of our sins and trusting in Christ as Savior, Scripture gives us several reasons to be baptized.

›  BECAUSE JESUS COMMANDS IT - Baptism is an act of obedience to Jesus’ command and a public declaration that we belong to Him (Matt 28:19-20). It’s one of the first ways believers confess their faith, identify as His disciples, and joyfully follow His call to new life.

›  BECAUSE JESUS MODELED IT - Jesus, though sinless, was baptized to fulfill God’s will and identify with us. In following His example, we publicly express our faith, obedience, and desire to be identified with Him (Matt 3:13–17; Mk 1:9–11; Lk 3:21–22; Jn 1:29–34).

›  BECAUSE SCRIPTURE REPEATEDLY DEMONSTRATES AND COMMENDS IT - Scripture consistently shows that baptism follows repentance and faith in Jesus. Throughout the New Testament, new believers respond to the gospel by being baptized as an immediate and joyful act of obedience (Acts 2:37-38, 16:31-33).

›  BECAUSE BAPTISM TESTIFIES TO THE GOSPEL - Baptism is a living picture of the gospel—it shows that our old life of sin has been buried with Christ and that we’ve been raised to new life in Him. Each baptism proclaims the good news that Jesus saves and transforms lives.