Baptism - What is it all about?

Baptism is one of two ordinances that Jesus has left us to publicly identify to the wonder and glory of the cross. The Bible is really about one thing- redemption. Redemption is God's plan to deal with the problem of our sin by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin. God is holy and we are sinful. Our sin offends God and has brought about spiritual death, alienating us from a holy God. In His tremendous love Jesus sacrificed Himself to pay the full and final penalty for our sin. When we trust Jesus alone as the sufficient payment for the penalty of our sin, we become spiritually alive. Without trusting Jesus alone we are spiritually dead and without a relationship with God.

Baptism is our public statement that we have truly trusted in Jesus alone and that we have a new life in Christ. The ordinance of baptism does not wash away our sin or do anything to enhance our position before God. When we trust in Jesus we are totally forgiven, completely accepted, and eternally loved by God. Baptism is our way of publicly proclaiming our faith in Jesus and our desire to live in a way that is pleasing to Him.

The Bible teaches that baptism by immersion is a public identification with Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection. It is a public statement of an inward reality, that we are a new creation in Christ through faith. Baptism is like the wedding band that a husband or wife may wear. The wedding ring is an outward symbol for all to see that someone is married. It is a kind of identifying with a person who is most special and precious. Simply putting on a wedding ring does not make someone married, but it shows that a marriage has taken place. Baptism, like the wedding ring, has no power in and of itself. It only has value when there is a personal relationship with a person, Jesus Christ.

Some Scripture...

"So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls." - Acts 2:41

"When they believed, they were baptized, both men and women." - Acts 8:12

If you are interested in being baptized please contact the church to register for next instruction class. We would glad to register you for our next baptism.

Baptism request form