Q: What does the word "baptism" mean?
A: "Baptism" comes from the Greek word "baptiso," which means "to dip" or "immerse in water." Sprinkling, pouring, or other methods are never mentioned in Scripture as a proper form of baptism. Baptism by immersion in water is the only method mentioned in the Bible (Matthew 3:16, Mark 16:16, John 3:22, Acts 8:38, Colossians 2:12)

Q: Is baptism the same thing as salvation?
A: No. Scripture teaches that it is the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, that provides the sole basis for the forgiveness of sin. Therefore, salvation can only occur when a person places their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as the sufficient payment for their sin. It is upon this decision that the person is saved from the penalty of their sins and receives the free gift of eternal life.

Many people, including other faith groups, believe that if an infant or child is "baptized" at an early age, then they are saved. This is sometimes referred to as christening. But we understand Scripture to teach that only professing believers in Jesus qualify for baptism and that baptism is to only occur after the salvation experience as an act of symbolism and obedience.

Q: What does baptism symbolize?
A: Two things...
What happened to Jesus...the lowering of a person into the water and raising them out is a picture of what happened to Jesus after He died on the cross for our sins: he was buried and then raised to life to prove His authority over sin and death.

What happened to You... by illustrating the spiritual renewal that a person has now experienced as the result of opening their heart and life to Jesus. When a person is lowered into the water and lifted back up, it's a way to convey that the same thing has happened to the person in a spiritual sense. The Bible says that when we enter into a relationship with Jesus, our "old self" dies and a "new self" is brought to life in its place (2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 3:27). That's what we mean we say someone has been "born again." In summary, it's an outward expression of an inward spiritual decision.

Q: Why is it an act of obedience?
A: In short, because Jesus told us to do it. He set the example (Matthew 3:13-17) and then instructed all those who would believe in Him to do the same (Matthew 28:18-20) as a way to publicly acknowledge that they are followers of Jesus (Acts 2:38-41).

It may help to think of baptism like it's your spiritual wedding ring, which shows people that you are united to Christ. In marriage, if you don't wear your wedding ring, it doesn't mean that you aren't married. But when you do wear it, it lets everyone know that you are committed to someone. As we have said, you can experience salvation without baptism, but you are not fully obedient without it. So no matter what your age or background, following your decision for Christ by being baptized is an important step in your journey as a disciple of Christ.

Q: Is baptism required for membership at Brookwood?
A: Baptism by immersion is required in order to become a member of Brookwood. However, the baptism does not have to occur at Brookwood. We will accept your testimony of baptism that occurred at a previous church of similar faith. As long as your baptism followed your salvation decision for Christ, it will be accepted. In the event that your baptism occurred by some other means, sprinkling, pouring, infant christening, you would have to allow us the privilege of taking you through immersion baptism in order to be received into membership.