What Is the Meaning of Baptism?

1. It illustrates Christ´s burial and resurrection.
   
   "Christ died for our sins... He was buried... and He rose again." --I Cor. 15:3-4
   
   "For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ."  --Col. 2:12
   
   
2. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
   
   "When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!"  --2 Cor. 5:17
   
   "By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... so also we may live a new life!" --Rom. 6:4
   
   Baptism doesn´t make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it´s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.
   
   "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith... it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast."  --Ephesians 2:8,9

Why Be Baptized By Immersion?

1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
   
   "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." --Matt. 3:16
   
   
2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
   
   (Example) "...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..."  --Acts 8:38-39
   
   The word Baptize means "To dip under water"
   The Greek work Baptizo means "To immerse or dip under water".
   It best symbolized a burial and resurrection!

Who Should Be Baptized?

1. Every person who has believed in Christ.
   
   “He that believeth and is  baptized the same shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). 
   
   "Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized..."  --Acts 2:41 
   
   "Simon himself believed and was baptized..."  --Acts 8:13 
   
   "But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News... and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."  --Acts 8:12
   
   
2. At Antioch, any child that is 5 years old and up who has an understanding of what baptism means may be baptized.

What Should I Wear?

1. Women should wear shorts and a top which will preserve modesty.   
   
   
2. Men may wear a swimsuit and t-shirt.  Both Men and Women wear socks into the baptismal pool and remove all jewelry before entering.   Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet articles of clothing. We provide changing rooms and baptismal robes.

What If I Have Special Needs?

1. All of our Pastors can perform a private baptism in special circumstances.