Baptism enables a new believer to show the world his/her connection to Jesus Christ.

What is baptism?

Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water as a symbolic expression of a change that has taken place in the person’s life. Baptism enables a new believer to show the world his/her connection to Jesus Christ.

Why be baptized by immersion?

There are several reasons why a believer is to be baptized by immersion:

1. The Greek word  for baptism, baptizo, means “to put under or dip under water.” (Greek was the original language of the Bible's New Testament)
2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion. (Acts 8:38-39 provides one example.)
3. Jesus’ baptism was by immersion. (Matthew 3:16)
4. The early church fathers agree with immersion. Martin Luther – “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed.” John Calvin – “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.” John Wesley – “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

What is the meaning of baptism?

The meaning of baptism is primarily symbolic.

1. The baptism of a believer is an illustration of Christ’s burial and resurrection. (Colossians 2:12)
2. Baptism represents a spiritual cleansing. Being baptized in water symbolizes the washing away of our sin. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
3. Baptism is a sign of identification. Following Jesus in baptism identifies a person as a Christian. (Romans 1:16)

Does a person have to be baptized to be a believer?

Baptism is not a part of salvation nor does it make you a believer. (Ephesians 2:8-9) However, baptism is the first step of obedience after making a commitment to Christ. (Acts 18:8)

Jesus set the example for His followers when he was baptized by John in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:9) Then Jesus commanded new believers to be baptized. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Even though a person does not have to be baptized to become a believer, a true believer will follow the example and command of Christ in baptism.

Who should be baptized?

Even though baptism is not a requirement for salvation, salvation is a prerequisite for baptism. Therefore, baptism is for every person who has believed in Christ. (Acts 2:41 and Acts 8:12)

While children are important in the church and the kingdom of God, we wait for children to have a true understanding of salvation and baptism before we baptize them.

Baptism at Grace Baptist Church

Grace Baptist Church has several baptisms each year. These baptisms are primarily scheduled on Sunday mornings during times of worship. If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, then you are eligible to be baptized. You may contact the Pastor or the Church Office to schedule a time to discuss your desire to be baptized.

In addition, Grace requires that every member must be baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, by immersion, even if he/she has been baptized in another form in the past.

Church membership provides the opportunity for believers to connect with one another.

Scripture instructs believers to assemble regularly so that they can rejoice in their common hope and spur one another on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:23-25). While there is no specific scripture that commands believers to join a local church, evidence can be found in the New Testament that believers knew who belonged to the church and who did not. Church membership provides the opportunity for believers to connect with one another.

In addition, church membership is the reflection of a living commitment of one's faith in Jesus Christ. When an individual receives the salvation of Christ, then he/she becomes a member of the body of Christ, the church. Then as he/she publically identifies with Jesus and gives expression of faith in Christ through believers’ baptism, church membership is culminated through joining a specific body of believers, a local church. 

Church membership is expressed when Christians grasp hold of each other in responsibility and love. The Scripture teaches believers to love one another, serve one another, and encourage one another. Membership to a local church also demands loyalty to one another and commitment to actively use the talents and gifts you have to serve in and through the various ministries of the church.

Members of Grace Baptist Church demonstrate their faith in Christ, their love for one another, and their desire to make Christ known by faithfully participating in worship, engaging in a small group (i.e. Sunday School), and giving of their time, talents, and resources to fulfill the mission of the church. Church membership places one in a unique position of being apart of a loving family, finding help and support in times of need, and developing relationships which are profitable for your spiritual growth.

If you are interested in being a member of Grace Baptist Church or if you have questions please contact the Pastor.  He would be delighted to share more about the meaning and purpose of church membership.