Baptism is an important step of obedience that shows others we have personally trusted Jesus for our salvation. Jesus was baptized when He was on the earth and we do this to follow His example. We believe that we receive God’s grace in a unique and incredible way through baptism. The water acts as a conduit to pour out the power of God onto the one who is receiving the sacrament. We do not believe that baptism saves you, but we believe Christ clearly commanded saved people to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. Baptism marks the beginning of our lifelong journey as disciples of Jesus Christ.
WHY BE BAPTIZED?
Those who are baptized are following Jesus’ example and obeying His command:
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, 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. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” ”
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing 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.” ”
WHO CAN BE BAPTIZED?
Persons of any age may be baptized—infants, children, youth, and adults. We believe this stands in line with the earliest of church tradition and speaks to God’s ability to initiate grace even before we understand it.
Infant Baptism: We do not believe that the baby has professed faith in Jesus Christ but we do believe that the baby has been claimed by Christ. One day, at an age of where the child can, they must decide to respond to the free gift of grace they have received.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING BAPTISM?
Through baptism, we are joined with God and we are born into the whole Church. The water and the work of the Holy Spirit in baptism convey God’s saving grace, the forgiveness of our sins, and new life in Jesus Christ.
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
We baptize through immersion or sprinkling.
A person only needs to receive the sacrament of baptism once in his or her life.
HOW TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Attend Baptism class on November 3rd at 12:30 to learn about baptism, ask questions, and get signed up for our baptism gathering on November 12th.