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 their Savior. We consider it a privilege to walk with you as you take this next step on your spiritual journey.


Who Should Be Baptized?
If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are ready to be baptized. Just like a bride and groom show others their love for one another by wearing wedding bands, your baptism is 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 contact our office.

What Baptism Symbolizes
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 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 SVA because we believe Scripture shows that Jesus modeled that for us as the way to publicly acknowledge our faith in Him.

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.