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Baptism follows the example of Jesus. Though
sinless, Jesus submitted Himself to be baptized by John so as to serve as a
role model for us all (Matthew 3:13-15). More importantly, baptism is commanded by Jesus (Matthew 28:19) and by the Apostles, the first leaders of the Christian church (Acts 2:38).
Who should be baptized?
Everyone who sincerely wishes to trust and follow
Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior should be baptized.
Is baptism necessary for salvation?
Baptism is not necessary for salvation. Baptism
bears witness to a previous saving commitment to Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 3:18-22, Luke 23:43)
Why is baptism done by immersion?
We try to make baptism mirror the examples we find
in the Bible. The Greek word for baptism, baptizo, literally means plunging
or immersing. This practice is symbolic of identifying ones self with the
death and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 6:1-7). The most detailed description of baptism in the Bible suggests this practice (Acts 8:26-40).
Should infants be baptized?
While we do not wish to devalue other traditions or
the heartfelt commitment of any parents, we believe that there is no biblical
precedent or example for baptizing anyone who is unable to make a profession of
authentic Christian faith. Most parents who desire to have their infants
baptized are seeking to promise God that they will raise their child in His
ways and commit their children to His guidance and care. This commitment is
more in line with the practice of child dedication than baptism. When children
arrive at the point in their lives when they can truly affirm that Jesus Christ
is the "forgiver of their sins" and the "leader of their life," they are ready
to be baptized.
How do I know if I am ready for baptisim?
Confirm that you have made a commitment to make
Jesus the leader and savior of your life.
To make Jesus the leader and Savior of your life, it means you understand:
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The Design We are important to
God. He created us to live in a harmonious relationship with Him.
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The Problem We are separated
from God. We have chosen to abandon God and rebel against His values and
authority, which the Bible calls sin. Because of those decisions that we all
have made, we are separated from Him forever.
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The Solution We need Gods help.
God loves us and provided the only way out of our rebellion. He sent His only
Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to pay the penalty for our rebellion by dying on
the cross and thus building a bridge for us back to God.
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The Choice We must choose. God
has made the only solution to our problems freely available to all who will
return to Him. We can end our separation from God and enter into a restored
relationship with Him and experience the blessings of life with God both in the
here and now and after we die. Each of us must decide whether we will place our
trust in the person, life and work of Jesus Christ and pledge to follow Him
forever, thus returning to a right and restored relationship to God, or not.
If you aren't sure or have questions we would love
to talk with you about this. Please don't hesitate to click on the "I Have
A Question" button below.
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