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Water
Baptism
“Go therefore and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit ….”
Matt 28:19-20
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• Are You Interested in Becoming Water Baptized? • Do You Understand Water Baptism?This page is sure to help ease any fears or uncertainties
about the joyful and fulfilling experience of baptism. If
you have further questions, please call our church office at
360.797.0044.........................................................................................................................
Frequently Asked Questions
About Baptism Water baptism is an initial step of obedience in the life of
a Christian. When taking this important step, several
questions may come up which we hope to answer here.
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Why Should I Be Water Baptized?
Jesus commanded His followers to baptize new believers. In
Matthew 28: 19-20, Jesus said, “Go therefore and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit ….” Since these
were the final instructions Jesus gave his disciples before
He ascended to heaven, we know this is important. Water
baptism is not an optional afterthought, but a vital step in
the life of every person who has a relationship with Christ.
Through baptism, we demonstrate that we identify with Him
and are now a member of God’s family.
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When Should I Be Water
Baptized? In Scriptures such as Acts 2:34, 2:41, 8:12, and 10:47-48,
it is evident that the act of water baptism came after an
individual made a decision for Christ and not before. Water
baptism is one of the first steps to be taken after
committing your life to Christ. Even if you have been a
follower of Christ for many years, but have not yet been
baptized, it is still important to follow the Lord’s command
to be baptized.
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What About Baptism of Young
Children? If the purpose of baptism is to publicly identify as a new
believer in Jesus Christ, why are so many people baptized at
early ages? In the Bible, we find parents bringing their
children to Jesus. He held them, prayed for them, and told
his disciples to welcome them. But there is no record of Him
baptizing infants, nor did He tell anyone else to baptize
them. We believe baptism is appropriate only for those who
have made a personal and conscious decision to trust Christ
for their salvation.
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How Should I Be Water Baptized?
All examples of baptism in Scripture were by immersion in
water, not sprinkling. Acts 8: 36-39, states that “Philip
went down into the water…” In the account of Jesus’
baptism in Mark 1:12, the Scripture says, “And
immediately coming up out of the water…” Baptism by
immersion is the symbol of what happens spiritually to a
believer. It signifies the complete death of the old nature
as we go under the water, and the new life that is ours
through the resurrection of Christ as we come up out of the
water. Baptism by immersion is a picture of the complete
cleansing of our sins. (Ref. Romans 6:4)
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Is Water Baptism Essential for
Salvation?
It does not determine our salvation. Our
salvation is secured by the faith and belief in our hearts,
not by an external work. The thief on the cross in Luke 23:
39-43, is an example of someone who believed in Jesus but
didn’t have the opportunity to be baptized. Jesus told him,
“…today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” He was
obviously going to heaven without being baptized. However,
this does not excuse us from baptism. As we become aware of
the commands in Scripture, we are obligated to obey them as
we have opportunity.
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When are Baptism Services Held?
Water baptism is celebrated several times throughout the
year at Gardiner Community Church. Watch
announcements in the bulletin for actual dates of future
baptism services. In the meantime, please contact the Office and we will
schedule you for the next available baptism service.
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