BAPTISM

Baptism is a symbolic representation of the spiritual cleansing we experience when we are saved by grace through faith. Just as water cleanses the body, so the Holy Spirit cleanses our hearts when we make Jesus our Lord and Savior. This declaration gives the believer the opportunity to remember God's goodness and grace as revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Baptism is a picture of Christ's death and resurrection and our participation in His death and resurrection through union to Him in faith. As we enter the water (or watch another person do so), we are given a visual and symbolic demonstration of a person's union with Christ in the likeness of His death and resurrection. The lowering of an individual into the water symbolizes his or her identification with Christ in his death and burial. Similarly, raising that person from the water symbolizes his or her identification with Christ in His resurrection and new life. This signifies that a person's former way of life has been put to death and depicts a release from the mastery of sin. This release from sin is a new birth or being born again as discussed in John 3:1-6.

Baptism is symbolic and illustrates several significant realities:

1. Christ's death and resurrection

2. The person’s union with Christ in His death and resurrection

3. The new life in which a disciple walks

4. Cleansing and washing away of sin

To follow the example set by Jesus himself. (Matthew 3:13-16)

To obey Christ’s command. (Matthew 28:19)

To publicly acknowledge your personal faith in Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:41)

To express your love for Christ and His Word. (John 15:14)

Baptism is only intended for the individual who has committed their life to Jesus and has received salvation that can only come through Christ. The Bible teaches that a person must first repent of sin and believe in Christ Jesus and then be baptized.

Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:37-41

But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Acts 8:12