Part 4 · Belief 15 — The Doctrine of the Church
Baptism
What we believe
By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Savior, become His people, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings.
Some moments are too full of joy to keep quiet. When two people marry, they do not whisper their vows in secret — they say them out loud, before everyone, because love wants to be declared. Baptism is like that. It is the glad, public moment when a person who has come to love Jesus steps into the water and says, before God and friends, "I belong to Him now." It is not a hurdle to clear or a test to pass; it is a celebration — the doorway into the family of faith. As we study, do not feel pressured. Just come and see how beautiful this gift is, and let your own heart answer in its own time.
Following Jesus into the water
Baptism is simply doing what Jesus did and asked us to do. He Himself was baptized, and afterward He told His followers to go and make disciples, "baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). When the crowds at Pentecost asked what they should do, Peter answered with open arms: "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38). Baptism comes after meeting Jesus — it is the loving response of someone who has heard His call and wants to say yes. It is for anyone old enough to believe and choose Him for themselves.
A picture of death and new life
Why immersion — going right under the water? Because it tells a story. Paul writes, "we were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... we too might walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). Going down into the water is like a burial — the old life of sin laid to rest. Rising up out of the water is like a resurrection — a fresh, clean start, raised with Jesus. "Having been buried with him in baptism... you were also raised with him through faith" (Colossians 2:12). Baptism does not save you; Jesus does. But it acts out, for all to see, the wonderful exchange already happening inside: the old you is gone, and a new you has begun.
Welcomed into the family
Baptism is not the end of a journey but the beginning of one — and you do not walk it alone. "As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27); you are now clothed in Him, belonging fully to Him. At Pentecost, those who were baptized were welcomed in, and "they devoted themselves" together to learning, fellowship, and prayer (Acts 2:41, 42). The water is the doorway into a new family who will love you, pray for you, and grow alongside you. If your heart is being drawn toward Jesus, that gentle pull is His own invitation. There is no rush and no pressure — only an open door, and a Savior glad to call you His own.
Search the Scriptures
Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 2:38; 16:30-33; 22:16; Rom. 6:1-6; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12, 13.
Reflect
Take a quiet moment and ask yourself gently: as I have learned about Jesus, has my heart begun to love Him and want to follow Him? If so, baptism may be the next happy step — a way to say out loud what He has already done within. Talk to God about it honestly, with no pressure, and if the desire grows, share it with a pastor or a believing friend who can walk the next step with you.
Check your understanding
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