Believers' Baptism

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. - Acts 22:16

    Baptism is not necessary to salvation. In other words, baptism does not secure or seal our union with Christ, or guarantee any special blessings to the believer. However, baptism is necessary to the child of God because it is taught in the Scriptures (Rom 6:1-11). Baptism, the burial of our bodies in water by immersion, is the believer's public confession of faith in Christ. It is the answer of a good conscience toward God, and a picture of salvation by our substitute (Acts 22:16; I Pet 3:21). It is publicly declaring our allegiance and commitment to Christ and his church.

    Many of those professing salvation, hang their hopes of heaven upon church membership, baptism, and partaking of the Lord’s supper. On the other hand, many who profess to know Christ refuse to submit to any of these, or they feel free to pick and choose which ones. Neither circumstance reflects the attitude of a believing heart. Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and uniting with a local assembly of believers identifies us with Christ and his Gospel; the greatest honor and privilege with which a child of God could be blessed on this earth.