baptism
What Is Baptism?
Baptism represents the believer’s identification with Jesus in His death, burial and resurrection. It is a symbolic act that gives the congregation a visual picture of what has happened spiritually to the Christian through New Birth.(John 3:1-3)
Who Should Be Baptized?
Those who have personally placed their trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. The pattern in Scripture is people hearing the gospel of Jesus(1 Cor 15:3-4), believing in Jesus(Rom 10:13-14, 17), and being baptized(Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 8:12, Acts 16:34).
How Should We Baptize?
Our English word “baptize” comes from the Greek word “baptizo”, meaning “to dip” or “to immerse.” We baptize by immersion because we believe the clear meaning of “baptizo” demands it. For example, in Matthew 3, John the Baptist baptizes Jesus and the word in the original language is "baptizo." Jesus himself was baptized by immersion. Not only does the meaning of the word demand immersion, but also the meaning of the ordinance is best pictured by it. Baptism by immersion visually symbolizes Jesus' life, death, burial, and resurrection.
