The Doctrine of Water Baptism
We believe that water baptism is an essential part of the New Testament experience of salvation. It is not merely a symbolic ritual, but a spiritual burial with Jesus Christ, identifying the believer with His death and resurrection.
The Mode and Authority
In accordance with the Holy Scriptures, we believe that baptism must be performed by immersion in water. The Greek word baptizo signifies to completely submerge. Furthermore, we believe that the name of the Lord is the authority by which we are baptized.
As the Apostles demonstrated throughout the book of Acts, we baptize in the name of Jesus Christ, which is the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
-
Acts 2:38: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
-
Acts 10:48: "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord."
-
Acts 19:5: "When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
The Purpose of Baptism
We believe that baptism is for the remission of sins. It is the means by which the blood of Jesus Christ is applied to the life of the repentant believer, washing away the record of past transgressions.
Acts 22:16 "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."
A Spiritual Burial
Baptism serves as the spiritual funeral for the "old man." Just as Christ was buried in the tomb, we are buried with Him in baptism so that we might rise to walk in a new life.
-
Romans 6:4: "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
-
Colossians 2:12: "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead."
The Promise of Salvation
We believe that water baptism, when coupled with repentance and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, completes the new birth experience as spoken of by Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 3:21 "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."