Application for Baptism
Biblically, baptism is associated with forgiveness (Acts 2:38; 22:16), union with Christ (Rom. 6:1-10), making disciples (Matt. 28:19), and repentance (Acts 2:38). This is not to conclude that water baptism affects forgiveness, but is closely connected with those things that begin the Christian life.
WHO IS IT FOR?
The scriptures argue for "believer baptism" as the order is always to believe and then be baptized (Matt. 3:2-6; 28:19; Acts 2:37-38; 16:14-15, 34). This makes sense because baptism is the initiatory rite into a believing community, the church.
WHEN SHOULD A PERSON BE BAPTIZED?
The examples in the New Testament indicate that believers were baptized right after they believed. No probationary period is indicated in scripture.
IS BAPTISM REALLY IMPORTANT?
The importance of baptism is underscored by the following considerations:
1. Christ was baptized (Matt. 3:16). Though the meaning of His baptism was entirely different from the significance of Christian baptism, nevertheless, there exists a sense in which we follow the Lord when we are baptized. To be sure, we can never fully imitate a sinless Person, yet we are to follow His steps and baptism was one of them (1 Peter 2:21).
2. The Lord approved of His disciples baptizing (John 4:1-2).
3. Christ commanded that people be baptized in this age (Matt. 28:19).
4. The early church gave an important place to baptism (Acts 2:38, 41; 8:12-13, 36, 38; 9:18; 10:47-48; 16:15. 33; 18:8; 19:5).
5. The writer of the Hebrews terms baptism as a foundational truth (6:1-2).
HOW SHOULD A PERSON BE BAPTIZED?
The primary meaning of the Greek word "baptizo" in the Bible is immersion. The early church often practiced baptism by immersion however history records baptisms by pouring and sprinkling as well. We at Grace Church seek to uphold the meaning of baptism as a priority over the method. Regular baptism services will be offered by sprinkling in the church building in the cooler seasons, and immersion services will be scheduled in the warmer seasons off-site. Contact the office for the next scheduled baptismal service if you are unsure about the next scheduled date or if you have further questions.
WHO IS IT FOR?
The scriptures argue for "believer baptism" as the order is always to believe and then be baptized (Matt. 3:2-6; 28:19; Acts 2:37-38; 16:14-15, 34). This makes sense because baptism is the initiatory rite into a believing community, the church.
WHEN SHOULD A PERSON BE BAPTIZED?
The examples in the New Testament indicate that believers were baptized right after they believed. No probationary period is indicated in scripture.
IS BAPTISM REALLY IMPORTANT?
The importance of baptism is underscored by the following considerations:
1. Christ was baptized (Matt. 3:16). Though the meaning of His baptism was entirely different from the significance of Christian baptism, nevertheless, there exists a sense in which we follow the Lord when we are baptized. To be sure, we can never fully imitate a sinless Person, yet we are to follow His steps and baptism was one of them (1 Peter 2:21).
2. The Lord approved of His disciples baptizing (John 4:1-2).
3. Christ commanded that people be baptized in this age (Matt. 28:19).
4. The early church gave an important place to baptism (Acts 2:38, 41; 8:12-13, 36, 38; 9:18; 10:47-48; 16:15. 33; 18:8; 19:5).
5. The writer of the Hebrews terms baptism as a foundational truth (6:1-2).
HOW SHOULD A PERSON BE BAPTIZED?
The primary meaning of the Greek word "baptizo" in the Bible is immersion. The early church often practiced baptism by immersion however history records baptisms by pouring and sprinkling as well. We at Grace Church seek to uphold the meaning of baptism as a priority over the method. Regular baptism services will be offered by sprinkling in the church building in the cooler seasons, and immersion services will be scheduled in the warmer seasons off-site. Contact the office for the next scheduled baptismal service if you are unsure about the next scheduled date or if you have further questions.