Baptism

What Is Christian Baptism?

Those who respond to the Gospel should be baptized. Biblical examples include the people of Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41), the people of Samaria (Acts 8:12-13), the people of Samaria (Acts 8:35-38), Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:17-18), the Philippian jailer and his family (Acts 16:30-33), etc. In each case, they first believed and then were baptized (Acts 10:44-48). It was always those who, of their own will, responded to the Gospel that were baptized. This is why we refer to it as “Believer’s Baptism.” It is for those who have trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

Given the absence of examples for infant baptism in the Scriptures, we instead practice infant dedication with those who are not yet old enough to receive Christ. We look to the example of Hannah dedicating the infant Samuel to the Lord (I Samuel 1:21-28) as our Biblical precedent for doing so. If you are interested in dedicating your child to the Lord, please contact the church office.

Who Should Be Baptized?

Those who respond to the Gospel should be baptized. Biblical examples include the people of Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41), the people of Samaria (Acts 8:12-13), the people of Samaria (Acts 8:35-38), Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:17-18), the Philippian jailer and his family (Acts 16:30-33), etc. In each case, they first believed and then were baptized (Acts 10:44-48). It was always those who, of their own will, responded to the Gospel that were baptized. This is why we refer to it as “Believer’s Baptism.” It is for those who have trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

What Is The Meaning And Purpose Of Baptism?

1. Identification- Through water baptism, we proclaim our identification with Jesus Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:1-7, Col. 2:12)

2. Declaration - Baptism is not a part of our salvation, but a major step in discipleship. Salvation is experienced totally by grace through faith. It is a free gift of God to all who will believe in Christ and receive Him (Ephesians 2:8-9, John 1:12, John 3:16)

In identifying with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection, and in identifying with the local and universal Church, we proclaim the fact that we died unto sin, were buried with Christ (Romans 6:6-7) and are raised with Him and share His risen life. We also proclaim the fact that the Holy Spirit has baptized, or placed us into the body of Christ. In that body, the church and each believer has a specific function. “One body — many members.” (I Corinthians 12:12-14)

Why Should I Be Baptized?

Our Lord was baptized. (Matthew 3:13-17)

It symbolized the great redemptive work He was to do at Calvary in dying, being buried, and raised from the dead. It identified Him with lost sinners in His death, even though He was sinless. He established an example for us to follow; in being identified with Him as His disciples.

Our Lord commanded it. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Shortly before Jesus left this earth, He commanded His disciples to go and make disciples, to baptize them, and to teach them all that He had commanded them. These are the three principle mandates of His Great Commission.

The early church practiced it. (Acts 2:41)

Baptism was a vital practice of the Early Church, both in the New Testament and the church history that followed, and they have left an excellent example for us to follow today as well.