You just made the most important decision of your life! Congratulations! The decision to follow Jesus brings so much excitement, joy, freedom and more. Now the question is: “What’s next?”
The next step is Baptism! Baptism is the outward declaration of the inward reality of choosing to follow Jesus. It is a step that takes our Faith public and allows us to celebrate as one family. More than just a ritual or technicality of our faith, Baptism is something that Jesus both participated in and commanded those who choose to follow Him to take part in. It is a symbolic moment that allows us to physically identify with Jesus’ death (going into the water), resurrection (coming out of the water), and victory (celebrating the reality of eternal life alongside our Church family).
Baptism allows us to experience the profound joy that salvation brings and catch a glimpse of the celebration that Heaven is throwing.
ARE YOU READY TO TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP?
SPRING VALLEY CHURCH BAPTISMS
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WHY BE BAPTIZED?
To celebrate new life. “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4
To follow Jesus’ example. “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” Mark 1:9
Because Jesus commanded it. “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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?
Baptism is a way we identify with Jesus’ burial and resurrection. “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” Colossians 2:12
Baptism is a symbol of new life as a Christian. It is through baptism that Christians find new life. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
DOES SPRING VALLEY CHURCH BAPTIZE INFANTS?
Scripture provides evidence that baptism follows an individual’s decision to trust Jesus alone for salvation (Acts 2:41, 8:12, and 10:47–48). In the Bible, we find parents bringing their children to Jesus. He held them, prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But He did not baptize them and He did not tell anyone else to baptize them. Spring Valley Church believes baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to trust Jesus alone for their salvation, once they have the maturity and ability to understand what that means.
Dedication is not a sacrament; nor does it impart grace or salvation to a child. Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ as each person recognizes their sinfulness and receives forgiveness and eternal life through him and his work on the cross.
Rather than baptizing infants or children, Spring Valley encourages Christian parents to dedicate their children. This is a special moment in our church service where parents formally call upon God’s blessing for their child and publicly commit to raise him or her in accordance with scripture.