Baptism

We believe the practice that best captures the teaching of Scripture is baptism by full immersion.

• The Greek word, “baptizo” means to immerse, plunge, sink or submerge not dip. Baptism is a transliterated not a translated word. It was so clearly understood as ‘immersing’ and had such a distinct meaning that it was left as it was. This word is different from the word ‘dip’.

• The symbolism demands full immersion Baptism is an illustration of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. Sprinkling does not convey the dramatic portrayal of burial and re-birth.

• The circumstances in each NT passage strongly indicate there was always sufficient water to practice immersion baptism Every passage in the New Testament where ‘baptizo’ occurs either requires or permits this meaning, to immerse (e.g. Matthew 3:6, 11; Mark 1: 5,9-10; John 3:23; Acts 2:41; 8:38-39; 16:29-33).

PLEASE NOTE: More important than the method of baptism is the symbolic meaning of baptism. Where health or infirmity hinders immersion we will gladly and joyfully baptize in other ways. The heart of the candidate, not the formality of the ordinance, is of uttermost importance in baptism.

Baptism is:

• An ordinance of the church Simply put, an ordinance is something we do because Jesus commands it to be done.

• An outward sign of an inward change This inward change is our trust in the good news of Jesus Christ: that He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins once and for all.

• A symbolic, voluntary act of obeying Jesus’ command to be baptized (Matthew 28:19) If you were baptized as a baby or a young child, having not personally understood and accepted your need for Jesus as your Savior, you will want to be baptized by your own choice

• A personal proclamation of our trust in God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10) Your personal proclamation of faith in Christ through baptism is an important step in the journey of faith that we want to share with you.

Here at STF, baptism is an important rite of passage, whose meaning we affirm and whose significance we celebrate.

• Make you a Christian A believer only undergoes baptism once and that after your confession of faith.

• Save or wash away sins Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ. The act of baptism has no power to save but signifies the saving change Christ has already made.

• Need to be repeated A believer need only undergo baptism once, upon their confession of faith. You may have been baptized at another church or in another denomination. If so, you need not be re-baptized in our church.

If you have not been baptized after you trusted Jesus Christ, we urge you to seek the Lord and study the Scriptures.

• Because Jesus Commanded It. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

• To Follow Jesus’ Example “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.” (Matthew 3:13)

• To Show That You Have Trusted Christ. “Those who believed…were baptized and added to the church.” (Acts 2:41)

Being baptized comes after your decision to follow the Lord Jesus Christ;

• Jews were baptized (Acts 2:41-42) • Samaritans were baptized (Acts 8:12) • Gentiles were baptized (Acts 10:44-48) • Paul was baptized (Acts 9:8) • Lydia was baptized (Acts 16:14-15)

In every case, faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross preceded baptism;

“But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12)

Baptism is for believers. A believer is a person who has …

• Realized that their sin separates them from God and they have given up all efforts to reach God on their own by good works or other religious activity • Understood that the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for their sins is the only way to heal the rift between them and God

IF you have reached this point, then YES you are ready to be baptized!

Baptism is the public proclamation of identifying with Jesus, a witness to others of your own death and burial to your old life, and the celebration of your new life in Jesus Christ.