Baptism

What is baptism?

Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water into the name of the triune God. It is a visual and symbolic demonstration of a person’s union with Christ in the likeness of His death and resurrection. Baptism signifies that a person’s former way of life has been put to death and depicts a release from their slavery to sin.

Why is baptism Important?

Baptism is not merely a responsibility and demonstration but also a privilege. We have the opportunity to evidence our trust in and love for our King through baptism. It is our joy to be baptized, and we should eagerly participate in the ordinance. The desire to be baptized should be motivated by our hope to glorify God in faithful obedience. Any other motivation (to join a particular local church, to please a friend or family member, etc.) should not be the ultimate reason for seeking to be baptized.

Why should someone be baptized?

To Obey the Commands of Christ

Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20

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To Evidence that a Person is a Disciple of Christ

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. – Galatians 3:26-27

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To Follow the Example of Christ

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3:13-17

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Is baptism necessary for salvation?

Though grace is mysteriously mediated through the ordinance, it is not saving grace but rather sanctifying grace. We are more conformed to the image of Christ as we obey Him in the call to be baptized. Without in any way diminishing the duty and delight of baptism for a believer, we caution against thinking which suggests that salvation is dependent upon baptism. The gospel the message of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone.

Baptism for Children

While we do not baptize infants at Church of the City, we do have a child dedication process for parents who are stakeholders and want to publicly dedicate their children to the Lord. Child Dedication information can be found here.

Child Baptism is available to those children who are old enough to both understand and verbally confess Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Depending upon a child’s age and understanding of surrendering their lives to Christ and wanting to proclaim that publicly, baptism is available upon completion and submission of an application for baptism.

Baptism

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