More About Baptism
Since the beginning of the church, Christians have practiced baptism. Its purpose and meaning, however, often spark debate among different religious traditions. We believe immersion in the name of Jesus is essential for salvation and serves as a direct response to the gospel message. Baptism reflects obedience, demonstrates faith, and marks the moment when God forgives a person’s sins (Acts 2:38).
Different groups interpret baptism in various ways. Some view it as purely symbolic, representing an inward change that already took place. Others regard it as optional or unnecessary for salvation. We teach that immersion is both symbolic and transformative. Symbolically, it represents the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-4). Transformatively, it unites believers with Christ and washes away sin (Acts 22:16).
Some traditions practice infant baptism, but we teach immersion for individuals who understand and believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior (Mark 16:16). Faith and repentance must come first, as baptism results from a conscious decision to follow Christ.
Baptism is much more than a ritual. It is a profound act of obedience to God’s will. Jesus commanded His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…” (Matthew 28:19). Water immersion is a vital part of discipleship. In baptism, we die to sin, bury the old self, and rise to walk in newness of life, fully cleansed and committed to God (Romans 6:4).
If you feel confused about baptism due to the many different teachings, study what the Scriptures say. Begin with the articles below, but most importantly, read the Bible for yourself and follow its truth. We should all imitate the ancient Bereans who listened to what Paul had to say and compared his message with the Scriptures (see Acts 17:11). Don’t just take our word for it. Study this matter out for yourself!
Is Baptism JUST a Symbol?
The Gospel Saves Podcast Season 2, Episode 2 I believe baptism is for the remission…
The Importance of Baptism
What is the importance of Christian baptism? Jesus experienced baptism; He practiced baptism during His…
The Historical Background of Baptism
Ceremonial washings were found in both pagan and Jewish rites. What makes Christian baptism different?
Modern Confusion on Baptism
Therefore laying aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisies and envyings, and all evil speakings, desire the sincere milk of the Word, as newborn babes, so that you may grow by it; if truly you have tasted that the Lord is gracious." I Peter 2:1-3 I remember, since it was only 15 months ago, holding my firstborn, a daughter, for the first time and I hope never to be able to forget it. In my arms was a piece of me, sharing obvious genetic traits, probably predisposed to certain desirable and undesirable personality wiring as well. Yet, for all that, she was pure, untainted, more so than she ever would be again. I marveled as I beheld and studied her.
Baptism & ‘The Great Commission’
Mat 28:19-20 "Therefore go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you. And, behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the world. Amen." I have no problem calling these verses by their traditional epithet-The Great Commission. If I venture into any religious institution that lays claim to Christ and ask anyone randomly, "What's the 'Great Commission'?", I am likely to get an accurate response, even if it isn't quoted verbatim or the exact chapter-verse is unknown. Most can at least say something along the lines of, "That's where Jesus told his disciples to preach."
Baptism and Acts 2:38
I'd like to continue our consideration of baptism which I began in my last article. Four times in the Gospel of John, Jesus promises His disciples a Comforter or Helper. John 14: 16, 26; John 15: 26 and John 16: 7 all promise this Helper. This comforter is none other than God's Holy Spirit, called the Spirit of truth in Jn. 14. Jesus also says something both interesting and important in Jn. 14:7: "You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you (emphasis mine)."
Baptism and I Peter 3:21
Baptism is always a worthy topic of consideration since its meaning and utility are so diluted today as to render it meaningless in the eyes of many contemporary theologians. As with any doctrine, it must be approached with one achievable goal in mind: to understand what the Will of the Lord is and, with the understanding, to execute it to our utmost. There are few doctrines, with the exception of Hell and Judgment, that are as or more conspicuous in the Bible.
Calvin on Baptism
The Protestant Reformation is rightly viewed as a reaction against the theological, doctrinal and moral abuses of the Roman Catholic Church. Many educated members of the Latin church applied reason and scripture to what they witnessed in the common European religion of the day and saw that not only was the papacy and the bishopric corrupt, but it was also unscriptural.
Calling on the Name of the Lord
49 days after Jesus's resurrection, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples as they assembled together on the Lord's day. (Acts 2) The tremendous sound of a great, rushing wind sparked public curiosity: as they gathered to investigate, they heard the disciples speaking in 15 or more languages. Accused of drunkenness, Peter declares this display a fulfillment of Joel 2:28-32. Included in this prophecy was a promise God extended to Israel first and the Gentiles second: "'AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS THAT WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.'" (Act 2:21)
What Must I Do to be Saved?
On his second missionary journey, Paul visited the city of Philippi. He and his co-worker…
Will the Thief on the Cross Go to Heaven?
Many people think some things are true because those things are repeated repeatedly and become…