Baptism
As You Consider Baptism...
We are excited that you are interested in baptism. We believe that baptism
is an important step of obedience for every person who has accepted Christ as
his or her Savior. Below, you can read more about baptism and how Lakewood views
baptism.
What We Believe About Baptism
Who Should Be Baptized?
Christians believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides
the sole basis for the forgiveness of sin. Therefore, salvation occurs only
when a person places his or her faith in the death and resurrection of Christ
as the sufficient payment for his or her sin.
If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are ready
to be baptized. Your baptism is an outward expression of your obedience and
your opportunity to show others that you have accepted Christ and are now walking
with Him.
If you have any questions about how to begin a personal relationship with
Jesus Christ, please click here.
What Does Baptism Symbolize?
Baptism is a way of showing others that you have entered into a relationship
with Jesus Christ. It symbolizes what took place in your heart at the time of
salvation:
- Accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
- Shared in His death and resurrection, illustrated by going under the water
(dead to your old life), then rising again (new life).
- Were symbolically washed clean and sins were forgiven by His death on the
cross.
Because Jesus instructed us to be baptized, baptism is an act of obedience.
While it is not necessary for salvation, it demonstrates submission to God.
We immerse at Lakewood because we believe Scripture shows that Jesus modeled
that for us as the way to publicly acknowledge our faith in Him.
What About Infant Christening?
Some denominations choose to christen infants. While we recognize the right
of other churches to practice infant christening, we understand Scripture to
teach that only professing believers qualify for baptism. Baptism does not make
you a believer; rather it shows that you already believe.
The Baptism Process
The baptism process at Lakewood has been designed to be both simple and meaningful.
From the registration form to the baptism meeting, each step has been carefully
planned with you in mind:
- Watch the baptism message. Learn more about what Lakewood believes and teaches about baptism.
- Complete the baptism registration. Once we receive your registration form,
we will contact you to schedule your baptism and videotaping.
- Read about making your video and watch sample videos. We want you to be as comfortable and prepared
for the video as possible.
- Attend a meeting and film your testimony. After we receive your registration
form, we'll contact you to schedule you for an informational meeting where
you'll also have your testimony videotaped.
- Get baptized! Baptisms take place during one of the Sunday morning services,
quarterly on a scheduled Sunday evening, and special scheduled baptisms throughout
the year: Christmas Eve Service, Green Street Pool, or Holly Park.
For questions about baptism or baptism scheduling, please contact Robert
Puckett at 770-532-6307, ext 213, or email: baptism@lakewoodlife.org
For information on child baptisms (K-5), please contact Elizabeth Ormsbee at ext 287, or email: eormsbee@lakewoodlife.org
