Baptism represents the forgiveness and remission of sins that believers receive through the grace of God and is an outward demonstration of the transformation of new birth in the Lord Jesus. Baptism symbolises a person’s faith in Jesus Christ and his or her commitment to follow him. It is an act of obedience and a public declaration of belonging to God’s family.
In a Baptist Church, which we are, baptism involves being fully immersed in water. This represents dying to sin and being raised to new life with Christ. It also signifies the cleansing and forgiveness of sins through His death and resurrection. Jesus himself was baptised by John the Baptist in the River Jordan, as a sign of His submission to God’s will and His identification with humanity. His baptism was also the occasion when God the Father and the Holy Spirit affirmed Him as the Son of God. Matthew 3: 16-17, Mark 1: 10-11 & Luke 3: 21-22.
Baptism is not a requirement for salvation, but a response to it. It is a gift of grace that confirms our position in Christ and the blessings of the Father. It also connects us to the body of Christ, which is the church, and the mission of God in the world.
A Baptism is a joyous occasion and we always take the opportunity to celebrate.
