Baptism

If you are interested in being baptized at Grace Church, please fill out the Baptism Interest Form and we will connect with you.

What is the meaning of baptism?

The term The Greek word translated “baptize” means to “immerse, plunge or dip.”
Biblical narrative:

The meaning of the word “baptize” (immerse) is consistent with the examples of the practice of baptism found in the New Testament narrative.

“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opening and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.” Mark 1:9-10

“And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?’ And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.” Acts 8:36-39
Biblical teaching:

Baptism primarily signifies a Christian’s union with Jesus Christ.

“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:3-4

Baptism visually expresses the believer’s union with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection as he is immersed in the water and raised up out of the water.
Baptism signifies the forgiveness of sins.

“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38

“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” Acts 22:16 (Paul recounting his conversion)
Baptism signifies inclusion in the New Covenant. Participation in the Old Covenant came by physical birth, but participation in the new covenant comes by spiritual birth. Circumcision identified a person with the covenant community of Israel and baptism identifies a person with the the church.

“In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” Colossians 2:11-12

Who should be baptized?

Only those who are in union with Jesus Christ should be baptized. That is, baptism is reserved for those who are trusting in Christ for salvation and seeking to love accordingly. The New Testament clearly commands and anticipates the baptism of professing believers, not unbelievers.

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’" Matthew 28:18-20

"And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.’” Acts 2:38-39

“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:41

“But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12

"‘Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’" And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.” Acts 10:47-48

“Then he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.” Acts 16:30-34

Baptism represents the beginning of the Christian life, only those who have begun the Christian life should be baptized.

What is the purpose of baptism?

Baptism is an outward sign that communicates something objective about the gospel of Jesus Christ and something subjective about the believer who has responded to the gospel.
“Baptism is a twofold act of witness. It is first and foremost a witness to the grace of God uniting me with Christ in his death and resurrection and making me a member of his kingdom. But it is also a confession of my personal response to the grace of God; my own profession of repentance from sin and faith in Christ.” Brian Russell

1. Baptism’s objective sign
Baptism signifies what Christ has done for the believer. It is a vibrant reminder that “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he
was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” (1 Cor. 15:3-4). Baptism powerfully demonstrates that the believer is in union with Christ in his work (Romans
6:3-5).

2. Baptism’s subjective sign
Baptism signifies that the objective work of Christ has been applied to the believer. The believer has repented and believed and is now identifying himself as a follower of Jesus Christ. It is a public announcement that one is a Christian.

If you are interested in being baptized at Grace Church, please fill out the Baptism Interest Form and we will connect with you.