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Salvation is God's
free gift which must be accepted by faith. We can never make up for our
sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as
God's offering for our sin can forgiveness and salvation be attained. When
we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith are we saved.
Eternal life begins the moment we receive Jesus Christ into our life by faith.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians
2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
Baptism doesn't 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 - it's the outward symbol
of the commitment you made in your heart.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast."
Ephesians 2:8-9
After a person is saved we practice baptism by immersion under water - the way Jesus was baptized,
and the way the Bible commands.
"For when you were baptized, your were buried with Christ, and in baptism you
were also raised with Christ." Colossians 2:12
The Importance of Being
Baptized
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To follow the example set by Christ.
"And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came
from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan." Mark
1:9
2. Because Christ commanded it.
"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." Matt. 28:19-20
3. It testifies that I really am a Believer.
"And many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were
baptized." Acts 18:8
"And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His
commandments." 1 John 2:3
1. It illustrates Christ's burial and resurrection.
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also
received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And
that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the
scriptures." 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
"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."
Col. 2:12
2. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old
things are passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians
5:17
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! Romans 6:4
1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
"And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the
water." Matthew 3:16
2. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
(Example) "...and they went down both into the water, both
Phillip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they came up
out of the water, the spirit of the Lord caught away Phillip, that he went on
his way rejoicing." Acts 8:38-39
The word "baptize" means "to dip under water."
The Greek word "baptizo" means, "to immerse or dip under water."
Every person who has believed in Christ!
"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the
same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." Acts 2:41
"Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he
continued with Phillip..." Acts 8:13
At Wills Valley Community Church, we baptize children when they
are old enough to understand that they are a sinner and express a desire to know
Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
As soon as you have believed!
"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the
same day ..." Acts 2:41
"Then Phillip opened his mouth, and beginning of this scripture
preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some
water. And the Eunuch said: See, here is water. What hinders me from
being baptized. Then Phillip said, if you believe with all your heart, you
may! And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of
God . . . And both Phillip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he
baptized him."
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