Water Baptism

The next Water Baptism Service is Sunday, November 17 at 11:00 AM.

Section 5 of the Tenets of Faith and Doctrine at Grace Christian Church concerns Baptism in Water.  

The ordinance of baptism by a burial with Christ should be observed as commanded in the Scriptures by all who have really repented and in their hearts have truly believed in Christ as Savior and Lord.  In so doing, they declare to the world that they have died with Jesus and that they have also been raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:47, 48; Romans 6:4).

Water baptism is mandated by Jesus.

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen”.

Requirement for baptism: Belief and profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.*

Acts 8:12, 36-39; 16:30-33; 18:8

Baptism by immersion: Matthew 3:16; Acts 8:26-39

Baptism symbolic of: Cleansing of sin.  Acts 22:16; Titus 3:5

Resurrection: Romans 6:3-6

Unity: I Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27-28

* Baptism is observed subsequent to salvation or a person’s belief and profession of faith in Jesus Christ.  We do not believe that water baptism is a necessary element to a person’s salvation.  Although we believe it is important for a believer to be water baptized as prescribed in the Word of God (noted above).

At Grace Christian Church we do not baptize infants or small children under the age of 7.  We believe that baptism is an act of obedience that follows a decision for Christ and a confession of faith. This requires a person to be of an age to hear, understand, and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We do have Dedication Services where parents dedicate their children and themselves to the Lord in the raising of their children.

Water Baptism is an outward observance and celebration of an inward work that has taken place in a believer’s life when they accept Christ. Romans 6:4 – “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Meet in Room 146 – One hour prior to Baptism service time.

Scriptural mandate for Baptism: Matthew 28:18-20

Scriptural examples of Baptism: Matthew 3:13;  Acts 16:25-34; Acts  8:12; Romans  6:1-6; Acts 8:26-39

Attire for Baptism Service: Please wear your regular church clothes to church.

Bring the following items with you to change into just prior to the Baptism Service… a modest bathing suit, long dark colored pants (or modest shorts).  We will provide you with a baptism shirt to wear over your bathing suit.

For your safety, please do not use any body oils prior to baptism.

Other Items to Bring:

• 2 Towels
• Comb/personal items etc.
• Blow -dryer (if needed)
• Plastic bag for wet clothing
• Friends and family to celebrate with you

Applications are due one week prior to the baptism service.