Water Baptism
At Saalem Church, we believe that those who have personally placed their faith in Jesus Christ should be baptized in water. Baptism does not earn salvation. We are saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Rather, baptism is an outward expression of the inward transformation that has already begun through faith in Christ.
About Baptism
Baptism beautifully represents what Jesus has done for us through His death and resurrection.
When a person goes beneath the water, it symbolizes being united with Christ in His death and leaving the old life of sin behind. Rising from the water represents being united with Christ in His resurrection and receiving new life in Him.
Romans 6:4 tells us that we were buried with Christ through baptism so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too may walk in newness of life.
Baptism declares, “My old life is gone. I belong to Jesus, and I have chosen to follow Him.”
If you have placed your faith in Jesus and are ready to publicly declare your decision to follow Him, we would love to walk with you through this important step.
Saalem holds baptism services throughout the year. Before being baptized, you will attend a baptism class where we will explore what Scripture teaches about baptism, answer your questions, and help you prepare for baptism.
Sign up below, and a member of our team will connect with you about the next baptism class and the steps toward being baptized.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
We believe baptism is for those who have personally responded to the Gospel by repenting of their sins, placing their faith in Jesus Christ, and choosing to follow Him.
In the New Testament, faith and baptism are closely connected. People heard the Gospel, believed in Jesus, and were baptized as a response to their faith (Acts 2:38–41; Acts 8:12; Acts 8:36–38).
Baptism is a personal declaration of faith and should follow an individual’s decision to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
-
Jesus instructed His followers to make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19–20). Throughout the New Testament, we see people responding to the Gospel by believing in Jesus and being baptized.
Baptism is therefore more than a church tradition. It is a step of obedience through which we publicly identify ourselves as followers of Jesus.
-
We practise baptism by full immersion in water, following the pattern we see in Scripture.
-
No. You do not need to be a church member, but you should have made a personal decision to follow Jesus and understand the meaning of baptism.
-
We honour your family and the faith represented by that moment. At Saalem, we practise believer’s baptism, which takes place after a person has personally chosen to follow Jesus. If you were baptized as an infant, we encourage you to consider baptism as your own public declaration of faith.
-
Before your baptism, we will have a baptism class to talk about your decision to follow Jesus, explain the meaning of baptism, and help you know what to expect on baptism day.
-
Absolutely! Baptism is something worth celebrating, and we encourage you to invite your family and friends to be part of this special moment.