What is the meaning and purpose of Baptism?
The word itself (baptismos) means immersion, dipping, submersion. This is what brings us into connection with Christ. Like his own death, burial and resurrection, baptism is a way for us to acknowledge our own death to self to be raised a new person. When we understand that it's our own sin that put Jesus on the cross and that by his grace God has forgiven and saved us, through faith, the question becomes not "should I be baptized?" but rather, "why shouldn't I be baptized?"
In the Bible, the need to be baptized is always addressed to mature, responsible people who are capable of believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, changing their minds about sin (repentance) and wanting to obey God. The decision to be baptized is an important one and should be made by one who is ready to make a full commitment to trusting Jesus Christ as his/her Lord and Savior. Baptism is not an option for the believer, but rather an acid test of our true faith in Jesus! Please contact one of the elders or ministry staff if you'd like to talk about your decision to be baptized...day or night.
Scriptures for further study:
Matthew 28:18-20; John 14:15; Acts 2:36-38, 8:36-37; Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:26-27
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