What is Baptism?

Here at Hope Chapel, we believe that baptism is an outward sign of an inward work. This pivotal step of faith is supported throughout the Bible as an explicit calling for all believers in Christ. Following are the nuts and bolts of Baptism as practiced at HCSP.

What?

Baptism comes from a Greek word "baptizo" which means to dip, plunge or submerge. It is the word used by Greek cloth a piece of fabric that is put into liquid dye.The fabric changes color...it is transformed. In this respect, your baptism is symbolic of being cleansed of your old self and entering into a new life in Jesus with a clean slate.

Why?

Baptism is a beautiful picture of what happens as we begin our journey of new found faith in God. The truths of passing safely through the waters of judgment; of dying and being resurrected with Christ; and of having our sins washed away are the significant truths related to baptism (Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16). Therefore, those who choose to believe in Him are biblically compelled to be Baptized in His name.

Who?

Belief requires an ability to choose to believe. This is why we do not baptize infants at Hope Chapel. We do not see infants being baptized in the Bible. Only those who can make the conscious choice to accept Jesus as their savior may be baptized. We strongly encourage all new believers to be baptized soon after you begin your new walk of faith. It is also our wish that those who may have been believers for a long time but never were baptized as an adult go through the baptism ceremony.

How?

We follow the biblical model of full immersion for the ceremony. It's the way Jesus and his disciples were baptized. We have been known to hold baptisms in the open ocean or at public pools, but we usually hold our own celebrations in a portable pool right in our own worship center.

When?

Hope Chapel conducts baptisms several times throughout the year. Sometimes they are a part of a special worship service or an event like a picnic. Watch the bulletin for announcements of upcoming baptism dates or call the church office for a schedule.

Who else will be there?

It is important that as many church members as are able attend the baptism to bear witness to the commitment being made. The addition of new believers is always cause for members of the "body" to give thanks, to celebrate and to provide a warm welcome. You'll even hear those in attendance give a hearty "hallelujah" as those being baptized emerge from the water.

How do I prepare?

We provide a short class containing all the information you'll need to know before the ceremony (watch our weekly bulletin for upcoming date for next event). But in short, you'll need to bring a change of clothes and a towel, wear a bathing suit or shorts and a t-shirt, women and girls should not wear white t-shirts.

What happens afterwards?

Many people experience a spiritual "high" after being baptized. This is not unusual andis actually a wonderful experience. There are also those who have reported a spiritual "low" that follows a few days later. It is important to continue to pray and to be around other Christians during this time.

Further resources:

We encourage those wanting to become baptized to take our "First Steps With God" Under Construction class so you can also learn important foundational information as your new Christian faith.

For any other questions, please call 310-832-4673 x117 or e-mail Lisa Valdez in the church office.