Baptism

"For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives." Romans 6:4

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

If you’ve made the decision to follow Christ, baptism is one of the most meaningful next steps you can take. 

Baptism shows others that you have been made new by the grace of God and have been welcomed into the community of Christian faith. It is an outward expression and celebration of your decision to follow Jesus. Baptism represents sharing in Christ's death and resurrection, being washed clean of your old sinful life.

Baptism is an act of obedience, because Jesus instructed us to be baptized. While it is not necessary for salvation, it demonstrates our desire to follow Jesus and be a part of the body of Christ, the Church.

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

At Resurrection Life NYC, we predominantly practice believer's baptism. In other words, if you have committed your life to Christ and have accepted His gift of salvation, you should be baptized. 

I AM READY TO BE BAPTIZED. WHERE DO I SIGN UP?

All you have to do is click the button below and complete the online form. We will be in touch with you after that to set up a time to talk with you face to face.

FAQ’s

  • No, the Bible is clear that we are not saved based on the works we do. "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it." (Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT)

  • At Resurrection Life NYC, you do not have to be baptized in order to receive communion. If you consider yourself a follower of Jesus, you are invited to the table.

  • No, as long as your baptism was a Christian baptism, you do not need to be baptized again.

  • Your baptism as an infant doesn't expire; we see this as a valid baptism. However, when you are baptized as an infant, the responsibility of following and growing in Christ lies with your parents until you are able to understand your own faith. Therefore, many people who were baptized as an infant desire to either affirm their infant baptism or be baptized again as an adult in order to publicly testify to their own commitment to follow Jesus. We are happy to talk with you more about this decision.

  • While we do allow for infant and child baptism as an expression of the grace of God already at work in that child, we most often practice child dedication instead. In child dedication, the parents bring their child before God and ask for God's blessing upon the child as they publicly commit to raise their child in accordance with the Scriptures and in the context of the faith community. If you are interested in child dedication or baptism for your child, please contact us at info@reslifenyc.com.

  • At Resurrection Life NYC, we do not believe the Bible commands any one mode of baptism. We believe the importance of baptism is in the life and heart of the believer and in the grace of God. Therefore, we affirm baptism that is done by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. Our most common practice, however, is immersion.

  • Only if you want to. Baptism is a public profession of faith, so before the baptism service, we will have you prepare a written testimony of your faith and your intention to follow Jesus. Before your baptism, you can either read your testimony or have someone read it for you.

  • We will meet in the worship center thirty minutes before the baptism service to explain the baptism process and answer any more questions you may have. During the service, you will be invited forward. If you would like, you may bring a friend or family member to stand with you. This is often someone who has walked alongside you and helped you grow on your spiritual journey. The pastor will ask you a few questions about what you believe, to which you will respond, "I do." Then your testimony will be read, either by you or someone else, and you will step into the baptismal pool. The pastor will say a few words, gently ease you backwards into the water, and then ease you back up again.

  • We will provide you with a Resurrection Life NYC t-shirt for your baptism. For modesty purposes, wear dark colored shorts or pants. Please bring a towel and change of clothes.

  • First of all, congratulations! Following Jesus changes everything, and we are rejoicing with you in your decision to be baptized! After you have been baptized, we encourage you to get involved in a Next Steps class where you can learn more about your faith and continue to grow in your relationship with Christ.

    If you have any other questions regarding baptism, please contact us at info@reslifenyc.com. We would love to talk with you!