Baptism is a way of showing others that you have entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ. It symbolizes the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, illustrated by going under the water (burial) and raising up out of the water (resurrection). While at the same time, it also symbolizes your new life as a Christian, by going under the water (dead to your old life), then raising up out of the water (living a new life). The Bible mentions this symbolism in Colossians 2:12 and Romans 6:4. Baptism doesn't make you a Believer, it demonstrates that you already believe. It's important to understand that baptism does not "save" you. You are saved only by your faith in Jesus.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Baptism is like a wedding ring -- it's the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.

Every person who has trusted in Christ as their Lord and Savior should be baptized.

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are ready to be baptized. Baptism should be the first step of obedience to Christ as a new believer. One of the reasons we should be baptized is to follow the example set by Jesus. Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist and we should follow His example (see Mark 1:9). We should also be baptized because Christ commands it. Therefore, baptism is an act of obedience. Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,... (see Matthew 28:19)." Baptism also demonstrates that you have placed your faith and trust in Christ.
 

There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are "perfect" you'll never be ready. You can call the church offices at 704-892-0143 and let them know you would like to be baptized.

At Lake Norman Baptist, we wait until children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of salvation and baptism before we baptize them.

Some churches practice a "baptism of confirmation" for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed and is not found in the Bible.

This custom is different from baptism as mentioned in the Bible because scriptural baptism is only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.

At Lake Norman Baptist, we have a dedication service for infants and children that emphasize the parent's role in raising a child to follow Christ.

We immerse at Lake Norman Baptist Church because we believe that Jesus modeled that for us as the way to publicly acknowledge our faith in Him.  The Greek word "baptize" actually means "to immerse or dip under water."   Immersion also best symbolizes a burial and resurrection.