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What Is The Meaning Of Baptism?
1. It illustrates Christīs burial and resurrection.
"Christ died for our sins... He was buried... and He rose again." --I Cor. 15:3-4
"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ." --Col. 2:12
2. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
"When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!" --2 Cor. 5:17
"By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... so also we may live a new life!" --Rom. 6:4
Baptism doesnīt make you a believer - it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - itīs the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith... it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." --Ephesians 2:8,9
Who Should Be Baptized?
1. Every person who has believed in Christ.
"Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized..." --Acts 2:41
"Simon himself believed and was baptized..." --Acts 8:13
"But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News... and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." --Acts 8:12
2. At 1st Church, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.
Some churches practice a "baptism of confirmation" for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed.
This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ. At 1st Church, it is a membership requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were "confirmed" as children.
When Is The Next Baptism?
We have a baptism service scheduled each week following Super Sunday. We suggest either attending CLASS 101 or call the church office to speak to a pastor.
Please check the Calendar or your bulletin for details on the next baptism.
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