Sharing my faith

How would you respond if a non-church member asks about baptism?

Together Magazine put some commonly asked questions to Seidel Abel Boanerges, whose varied role at Spurgeon’s College involves teaching apologetics. 

Tell me about baptism – how important is it?

Baptism is a powerful, public declaration of one’s faith in Jesus Christ. It does not save you—only faith in Jesus does that—but it shows the world that you belong to him. It is an outward sign of an inward transformation.

Think of it like a wedding ring: the ring does not make you married, but it is an outward sign of your commitment. Baptism symbolises dying to your old life and rising to a new life with Christ. It is also an act of obedience since Jesus himself was baptised and told his followers to do the same.

Can I be a Christian and not be baptised?

Baptism does not make you a Christian—faith in Jesus does! However, Jesus told his followers to be baptised as a step of obedience (Matthew 28:19). It is a way of saying, “I belong to Jesus!”

Imagine receiving the greatest gift ever but never telling anyone about it. Baptism is a joyful, public way to show what God has done in your life. While it is not required for salvation, it is an important step in your faith journey. If you believe in Jesus, baptism is a beautiful way to follow him.

I’m from a different tradition. Can I be baptised?

Absolutely! If you have come to faith in Jesus Christ and want to be baptised the way the Bible describes—by full immersion in water as a public profession of faith—you are welcome. Baptism is not about a particular church tradition; it is about your relationship with Jesus.

If you were baptised as a baby, but want to make your own decision now, we would love to walk with you through that. What matters most is that you understand and embrace your faith personally. If you have questions, we are happy to talk and help you in your faith journey.

Why do you have that hole in the floor?

That ‘hole’ is our baptistry! It is where we baptise people by full immersion in water—just like Jesus was baptised. Baptists believe baptism should be done the way it was in the Bible: fully under the water, symbolising death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ. It is a powerful picture of what happens when someone gives their life to Jesus.

The baptistry lets us do that right in our church. It is a place of joy and celebration where people publicly declare their faith. Every time someone gets baptised, it is a reminder of God’s amazing grace!

Is there anything special about the water?

Nope! It is just regular water—nothing mystical or magical. The power of baptism is not in the water itself but in what it represents. The water is a symbol of being washed clean by Jesus.

When you go under, it is like leaving your old life behind; when you come up, it represents your new life in Christ. What makes baptism special is not the water but your decision to follow Jesus and publicly show your faith. It is a simple act with a profound meaning—one that transforms lives, not because of the water, but because of Jesus!

Is baptism just a symbol, or is something else going on?

Baptism is more than just a symbol—it is a sacred moment where we encounter the triune God. As we step into the water in faith, God meets us with his transforming grace.

Our relationship with God begins before baptism, but in this sacred moment, it deepens in a unique and a profound way. Just as a wedding seals a couple’s commitment, baptism marks a profound step in our faith journey. Baptism does not save us—Jesus does—but through it, we encounter the Holy Spirit, who strengthens us and affirms our new life in Christ.

I’m quite shy – can I be baptised by myself?

It is completely okay to feel shy, but baptism is meant to be a public declaration of faith. Think of it like graduation—you would not walk across the stage alone in an empty room because the moment is meant to be celebrated. While baptism is public, it does not have to be overwhelming.

Some people prefer a smaller setting with just a few loved ones; at least one other believer should witness it. We can make it as simple and comfortable as possible for you. You won’t be alone—we will walk with you every step of the way!


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