Why Do We Baptize?
As believers in Christ we practice baptism to obey Jesus' commandment and publicly declare our faith in him. The Bible teaches that when we come to faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, the old self of sin is buried and the new self lives to him alone (Rom. 6:3-4). As the believer is submerged in the water, it is a picture of the death of the old self. As they rise up from the water again, it is a picture of the new life they live in Jesus Christ – a depiction of their salvation.
Who Can Be Baptized?
Anyone who has repented of their sins and placed their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation can be baptized. You don’t need to reach a certain level of spiritual growth, complete a list of good works, or meet any other condition. Only faith in Christ is necessary, because He alone saves. As the Bible says, “It is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:8–9).
We do not practice infant baptism, because we believe baptism follows a personal response to the gospel. It is a step of obedience for those who have come to saving faith in Jesus (Acts 8:12).
How Do I Get Baptized?
Any of our pastors would be delighted to meet with you to hear your testimony of how you came to faith in Jesus Christ. To meet with them, simply email pastors@gracewv.org.
Baptism is also a prerequisite for church membership. To learn more about church membership at Grace Church, click here.