Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28.19–20
Below is a detailed description of what the Bible teaches, and what we believe, about baptism. But let me summarize it in a couple of sentences:
A disciple of Christ is one who has submitted their heart and life to Christ and call Him not only Savior but LORD. According to Jesus (Matt 28.19) the very next step is to participate in a public baptism as a believer!
So have you been baptized since you have become a born again professing disciple of Jesus?
We are having baptisms on Resurrection Sunday - a PERFECT DAY to publicly declare Jesus is your Savior and Lord!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT BAPTISM
At Cornerstone, baptisms are a great time of celebration where testimonies are shared and the power of Christ is proclaimed. It is a joyous time where the church family gets to hear about lives that have been changed, and eternities secured, by the power of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
What is Water Baptism?
Water baptism is not a personal choice, but a command for believers. Jesus established water baptism as an ordinance when He gave the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16).
Water baptism is a public, outward testimony that indicates a personal, inward faith. It gives evidence of the inner change that has already occurred in the believer’s life when he or she was “born again” through faith in Jesus Christ.
Baptism identifies the believer with the message of the Gospel, the Person of Jesus Christ, and other believers. It associates the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and signifies the believer’s death to the old life and his or her resurrection as a new creation in Christ (Romans 6:1-8; Colossians 2:12).
Why should we be baptized?
We are to be baptized because Jesus Christ commanded it (Matthew 28:19), and because we love the Lord. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Throughout the book of Acts, we read how the early church gave importance to water baptism (see Acts 2:41; 8:12, 38; 9:18; 10:47-48; 16:15, 33; 19:3-5).
Who should be Baptized?
All born-again believers in Jesus Christ—and only believers—should be baptized (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:12, 36-38: 16:31-33; 18:8).
Should infants and children be baptized?
After Peter spoke at Pentecost, “those who gladly received his word (in its entirety) were baptized” (Acts 2:41). In the New Testament, every instance in which a person was baptized and his or her identity was given, that person was of a mature age. In light of Scripture, infant baptism must be ruled out, because infants cannot receive the Word of God and understand it. Children may be baptized if they receive and understand that God’s Word says that they are sinners in need of a Savior and have come to that saving knowledge of the grace of God.
Is Water Baptism necessary for salvation?
The Bible clearly teaches that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) and according to God’s mercy (Titus 3:5). The thief on the cross next to Jesus had no time to be baptized, yet Jesus promised that he would be with Him in Paradise that day (Luke 23:43). To believe that baptism is necessary for salvation is to believe in “works righteousness” and to go against scripture. The Bible contains no record of Jesus baptizing anyone—a strange omission if baptism was essential for salvation. The Apostle Paul declared, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel…” (1 Corinthians 1:17). This clearly indicates that salvation is a response of faith to the Gospel—not the act of baptism. Therefore, water baptism is not an act of salvation, but an act of obedience.
How can I be baptized at Cornerstone?
If you are a follower of Christ and have never been baptized since you have come to a saving knowledge of grace found in the Word, we would love for that to happen at Cornerstone. We have baptism celebrations as the need arises. We have a short study we ask you to complete that clarifies, in greater depth, what the Bible says about baptism and helps you prepare to share your testimony – your God Story of how Jesus came into your life, and how He impacts your walk today. Please let us know if you are interested by contacting us in one of the ways listed below.
Further Questions?
If you have additional questions, need more information, would like to be baptized, or are not sure that you are truly a follower of Christ, please speak to one of the leaders of the church, fill out a Connect Card, mark Baptism and place it in the Offering Box, or email us at info@thecconline.org
Cornerstone Church
Mailing Address:
21469 N. 78th Ave. Suite #150
Peoria, AZ 85382Website:
thecconline.org
MUCH LOVE and keep looking UP! - Luke 21.28
I love seeing all that the LORD is doing. I sure do love His church!
-doug