What Do We Believe about Baptism?
There is no formal treatment of or explanation of baptism in the New Testament. The word baptism is used several times, the practice of baptism is alluded to, and some random statements are made about baptism. But there is no formal explanation of baptism.

Our word "baptism" comes from the Greek word meaning "to dip. " For example, in John 13:26, when Jesus said, "This is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him," the word translated "dip" is the Greek word from which the word baptism comes. The word pictures immersion into a body of water.

The Time
Baptism is for those who have come to the point in their journey where they are ready to publicly share their new life in Christ. In the New Testament, baptism always followed the proclamation of the gospel and repentance and commitment on the part of the new believer. Thus, at Second we practice what is known as "believer's baptism " (as opposed to infant baptism).

The Symbol
We baptize by fully immersing the new believer in water. Baptism by immersion is supported by the experiences described in the New Testament. In every instance in the New Testament, where there is any indication given at all, the indication is that those baptized were immersed completely in the water. Baptism by immersion is also supported by the theological understanding of conversion. When we become followers of Christ, a transformation takes place. We put off the old person and put on the new. The old self dies, and a new self is born. When we baptize, we graphically picture the full dimensions of this transforming event. Going down into the water symbolizes the death of the old person. Coming up out of the water symbolizes a resurrection to a new kind of life. "Therefore we have been buried with [Christ] by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life " (Romans 6:4).

Why Is It Important?
Baptism is important because of the example of Jesus. When Jesus came to John the Baptizer who was preaching in the wilderness, Jesus asked John to baptize him. The baptism of Jesus is a pattern for us to follow.

Baptism is important because of the teaching of Jesus. In his statement at the end of Matthew's gospel, Jesus gave instructions for the church: "I want you to go into the world," Jesus said. "As you go, I have three assignments for you. I want you to make disciples, baptize these disciples, and then teach these disciples. " Baptism is a part of the teaching of Jesus for the church.

Baptism is important because of the practice of the early church. From the inception of the church, baptism was practiced. In Acts 2, those who responded to Peter's Pentecost sermon were baptized (Acts 2:41). In Acts 8, those who responded to the preaching of Philip were baptized (Acts 8:12). In Acts 10, those of Cornelius's household who were converted were baptized (Acts 10:48). From the beginning, baptism of new Christians has been the practice of the church.

Baptism is important because of the public nature of our relationship with Christ. Being a Christian is not just a private decision to be kept between the believer and God. Following Christ is lived out in a community of other Christ-followers. Baptism is a public witness to God's work in the believer's life. It is a public identification with Christ.