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Baptism

Professing your faith publically.

What is Baptism?

Baptism is an outward picture of what has happened to a Christian inwardly. They have spiritually been cleansed of all sin. They have passed from death into life. Baptism is a first step of obedience that calls for a public declaration of your trust in Christ. When Jesus gathered his disciples to himself and gave them “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:18-20). He told them to make disciples of every nation, to teach them, and to baptize them.

What We Believe About Baptism

We believe that baptism is for those who have placed their faith in Jesus alone for salvation. (Acts 2:41)

We call this believer’s baptism. Baptism does not save anyone; it does not impart grace to those who receive it. It is, however, a sign of salvation and an act of obedience following salvation.

We baptize by immersion. (Acts 8:36-39, Romans 6:4)

We believe it to be the most biblical and clearest picture of the death and resurrection of Christ. It also pictures the spiritual death and resurrection that occurs in a believer’s life when they become a Christian.

Baptism is required for membership at Grace.

For a person to partner with Grace as a covenant member they must be saved and actively seeking to obey our Lord. Baptism is the first step of such obedience. Therefore if you are considering baptism at Grace you are also considering membership at Grace.

More on Membership

At Grace we do not baptize infants.

We believe that scripture teaches that baptism follows an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for salvation (Acts 2:41, 8:12, and 10:47–48). And the New Testament records the baptisms of adult believers only. Jesus himself loved and welcomed children wanting parents to bring their children to Him; but Jesus never commanded us to baptize children before they have been saved. Rather than baptizing infants or children, Grace encourages Christian parents to dedicate their children.

More on Child Dedication

How Do I Get Baptized?

To get baptized you will need to share your testimony with one of our pastors. Call 301.262.1767 or email (info@gbcbowie.org) the church office to set up an appointment.