Baptism

“Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God,
and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” 

Acts 2:38, NLT

Baptism is an outward symbol of the inner commitment we have made to the Lord Jesus Christ. Once you ask Jesus Christ to come into your life as your Lord and Savior, it is important to publicly proclaim the new life you have found in Him by being baptized.

A powerful video testimony from our bilingual baptism celebration on April 9, 2011

Questions and Answers about Baptism

• What is baptism?
  Baptism is a public act that symbolizes important spiritual truths. First, baptism symbolizes the washing away of all our sins (Titus 3:4). Second, baptism allows us to identify with Christ in His death and resurrection—just as Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, we also die to our old life of sin and live a new life in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:1- 14). Third, through baptism we say that the Christian life cannot be lived alone. It must be lived in community and as a part of the local church (Acts 2:41).
• Do I need to be baptized in order to have salvation?
  The verb “baptize” and the noun “baptism” occur 27 times in the New Testament Book of Acts. Over and over, we see the sequence—people believe and then they are baptized. You are saved by believing in Jesus Christ. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but will have eternal life.” Baptism is an affirmation of belief in Christ.
• Do I need to be fully immersed?
  The word “baptize” comes from the Greek word “baptizo” and literally means “to dip, to immerse, to plunge.” In addition to the literal meaning of the word, immersion was the practice of the early Christian church. However, those who are unable to be immersed due to health issues can be baptized by another means.
• Can I be baptized privately?
  Baptism is a public proclamation of your faith in Christ. It is a time to celebrate your new life with friends, family, and your church. It is normal to be a little nervous about being baptized publicly, but nervousness will be replaced by joy as you step out in obedience to Christ.
• If I was baptized as an infant, should I be baptized again?
  Baptism should follow a conscious choice to become a fully devoted follower of Christ. As an infant you were unable to make that choice for yourself. So being baptized again would be appropriate.
• Does WBC ever baptize infants?
  Wheaton Bible Church does not baptize infants. However, we do have family dedications. A family dedication is a time when the parents commit, in front of the church and God, to raise their children in a Christian home. The church then commits to spiritually support the family in this endeavor. If you would like to participate in family dedication, contact , 630.876.6636.
• Can my older children be baptized?
  Once a child understands what it means to become a Christian, he/she may be baptized. Children who desire baptism should participate in the Communion and Baptism Family Milestone Class, offered to children in third and fourth grade.
• Do I have to be baptized in order to become a member of Wheaton Bible Church?
  The New Testament book of Acts tells the story of people responding to the Gospel message, being baptized, and then becoming a part of the church where they joined with other believers to live out the Christian life (Acts 2:41). Baptism is not required for church membership at Wheaton Bible Church, but it is highly encouraged.
• How do I prepare for baptism?
  The most important preparation for baptism is to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you have done this and you have chosen to live your life committed to Jesus, then you are ready to be baptized.
• How do I register for baptism?
  If you’d like to be baptized at Wheaton Bible Church, you will need to participate in a baptism preparation class. During the class, you’ll learn more about what it means to be baptized and how to share your faith story. Check back for times (see below).