Holy Baptism

Baptism is God’s work and promise.

Although God is present and works everywhere throughout all creation and the whole earth (Colossians 1:17; Acts 17:28, 14:17), we still hold with Scripture that God offers and communicates to us the spiritual blessings purchased by Christ, namely, the forgiveness of sins, only through the external means of grace ordained by Him. These are the Word of the Gospel, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper. The Word of God promises and declares the grace of God, works faith and regenerates us, and gives us the Holy Ghost (Acts 20:24; Romans 10:17; 1 Peter 1:23; Galatians 3:2).

Baptism is given for the forgiveness of sins and is, therefore, a washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Titus 3:5). It is not simple water only, but it is the water combined with God's command and included with His Word (Matthew 28). Baptism gives forgiveness, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare. Christ says, "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16). Acts 2:38 says, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Furthermore, 1 Peter 3:21 says, "Baptism, which corresponds to this [the flood], now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. . ."

We reject those who teach that Baptism is our work or that it is merely a symbol or act of obedience and dedication of ourselves to God. Since Baptism is God's Work, not ours, and since salvation is a gift from God, not earned (Ephesians 2:8-9), our churches Baptize infants since they are sinners and in need of blessing (Matthew 19:15; Mark 10:16), and since they too can have faith by the Word of God (Luke 1:41-44). Baptism saves you. It is not our dedication to Him but His dedication to us. He gives us the obedience of Christ. He has loved us before we could ever love Him.