What do we believe about baptism?
We baptize because we believe that Jesus initiated this act and instructed those who follow Him to do so.
The person being baptized is identifying with Christ in His death and resurrection. Baptism is a tangible expression of someone giving his/her life up to God through Jesus Christ, so that he/she might live a new life. It pictures the forgiveness of sins, as well as the unity with Jesus Christ.
We believe that baptism is for those who have professed repentance toward God and faith in Jesus. Because of this, it is our practice to baptize those who have confessed Christ as their personal Savior.
We obey Jesus’ command by immersing in water those who have confessed Christ. We do this in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, obeying Christ’s command and honoring the work of God in salvation.
We recognize that baptism is significant to the entire church body, as the person is identifying with those who have publicly professed their faith in Jesus. Because of this, we baptize during public gatherings of our church. Upon being baptized, a person becomes a member of our church and is united with this family of believers.
What does my baptism mean?
It means that I accept with a believing heart the death and burial and resurrection of Christ for me. It signifies and affirms that by believing I am washed of all my sins and am granted eternal life. It means that I have come out in the open with an observable, life-long commitment to follow Jesus Christ wherever He may lead.
This is not magic. Baptism does not wash away my sins or grant me new life. Only Christ can remove my sins, and that happens when I put my faith in Him. Baptism reflects on the outside what faith has accomplished on the inside. Since Jesus Christ has given me baptism, by my baptism I am choosing not to neglect His gift.
My baptism means that I am confessing that Christ’s death and resurrection are necessary to save me. Baptism speaks to the fact that I have been united to Christ in His death and resurrection.
In baptism, my private faith is given visible and concrete expression, and a clear beginning is made to the Christian life. I am publicly received into a family of believers who are gifted to help me live for Christ. In my baptism, I am assured of God’s good work in my life through Jesus Christ.
What Scriptures teach us about baptism?
Some of Jesus’ direct teaching on baptism can be found in Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 1:4 and 16:16, and John 3:23.
Some instances of the practice of baptism by the early church is found in Acts 2:41, 8:12, 36-38, 18:8.
Some of the primary teaching of the Apostles on baptism can be found in Romans 6 and Colossians 2.
HOW CAN I BE BAPTIZED?
If you'd like more information about baptism or you're interested in being baptized at Ogletown, please contact the church office! (info@ogletown.org or 302-737-2511)