Water baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus. It is an outward act that shows an inward decision to follow Him. In baptism, a person is fully immersed in water as a symbol of dying to their old life and being raised to new life in Christ.
Romans 6:3–4
Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Colossians 2:12
Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
What Does Water Baptism Mean?
New life – leaving behind the old and stepping into a new life in Christ
Cleansing – a picture of being washed clean through Jesus’ sacrifice
Identification with Jesus – sharing in His death, burial, and resurrection
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
MATTHEW 28:19-20
Why Baptism by Immersion?
At Clayton Church, we practise baptism by full immersion in water.
Immersion means the whole body is gently lowered under the water and raised back up. This reflects the biblical picture of burial and resurrection.
Immersion is important because:
It closely reflects how people were baptised in the New Testament
The word “baptise” in the original Greek means “to immerse” or “to dip”
It powerfully symbolises dying to the old life and rising to new life
As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. At that moment, heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. (Matthew 3:16)
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:4)
What is Baptism Important?
Baptism is an act of obedience and a joyful step of faith. It does not save a person, but it is a powerful way of saying, “I belong to Jesus.”
Jesus Himself was baptised, and He asked His followers to be baptised too.
Who Can Be Baptised?
Baptism is for anyone who has made a personal decision to follow Jesus and understands what it means to live for Him.
If you are ready to take this step, we would love to support you on that journey.
I’d Like to Get Baptised!
Baptisms at Clayton Church
Baptisms are held four times a year during our Sunday services at Clayton Church.
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.