The Tradition of Baptism at Grace… Who Should Be Baptized?

The Bible teaches that only believers are to be baptized. Every example of baptism in the New Testament is of a person who had accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior (Acts 2:41; 8:12-13; 35-39; 10:47-48; 16:27-33; 18:8).

The Origin of Believer’s Baptism

Jesus commanded His followers shortly before His Ascension to “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Therefore, we see that believer’s baptism began by Jesus Himself. It is one of the two traditions (ordinances) that Jesus left for the church to observe until His return, the other being the Lord’s Supper (I Corinthians 11:23-29).

The Significance of Believer’s Baptism

At Grace, we believe that baptism is a symbol of the believer’s identification with Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:1-14; Colossians 2:12).

Why Should A Believer Be Baptized?

• Baptism is an act of obedience to our Lord’s command (Matthew 28:19).
• Baptism is an “outward expression of an inward reality.” It is a public declaration of your desire and commitment to follow Jesus Christ.
• Baptism is a memorial pointing to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we are baptized, we are reminded of the tremendous cost of our salvation (I Peter 1:18-21).

When Being Baptized at Grace…

We ask that you make it a special time by doing the following:

• Be sure of your own spiritual condition. Ask yourself, “Have I come to a place in my spiritual life where I know for certain I have eternal life and am I a committed Christ-follower?”
• Attend the baptism class prior to your baptism service.
• Invite your family, friends, Grace Group and especially your non-Christian friends to witness your baptism.