Baptism – the pattern of the New Testament

When John the Baptist baptized people as a sign of repentance it caused no surprise as baptism was already in common use within Judaism. Ceremonial washing by the priests was symbolic of cleansing and holiness. Naaman immersed himself seven times in the Jordan. 2 Kings 5:14. Converts to Judaism were required to undergo a three fold initiation rite involving circumcision, baptism and sacrifice. The mode of baptism was complete immersion so that every part of the body was touched by water. Secret baptism was not recognized and witnesses were needed to vouch for the person’s changed life. The Rabbis spoke of this baptism signifying new life and they were considered as a “little child just born”.

In the New Testament baptism was an essential part of both the teaching and practice of the church. It was commanded by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20 and taught by the early Christians.

Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; Hebrews 6:2; 1 Peter 3:21.

It was the normal practice of the New Testament for all believers. Acts 2:41; 8:12, 38; 9:18; 10:48; 16:15; 16:33; 18:8; 19:5.

Baptism – a picture of Conversion

Baptism is a picture of what has already taken place. Conversion must precede baptism. Baptism is understood in two main ways. For some baptism is seen as essential in the process of becoming a Christian and is a rite administered by a church. For them baptism is the actual forgiveness of sins when the priest/minister by the act of baptism washes away the original sin of the person (usually an infant) This understanding of baptism is without any Biblical base.

Another understanding sees baptism as an evidence of a personal conversion to Christ that has already taken place. This is our position as a church. Romans 6:3-4 outlines baptism as dying with Christ and rising with Christ. It is a sign of a new relationship with God.

Proper subjects of baptism is shown in Matthew 28:20

Jesus gave the framework for all church work.

1. Make disciples of all nations

2. Baptize them after that took place

3. Teaching all Jesus commands Baptism is reserved for disciples of Christ.

Check these references from the Book of Acts.

2:38 “Repent and be baptised”

8:12-13 “Believed and were baptised”

9:18 Paul baptized after conversion

10:47-48 Gentiles converted and were baptized

16:14-15 “Lydia’s heart was opened, she believed and then baptism followed.

16:31-34 Jailer and family believed and were baptized.

18:8 Crispus and others believed and were baptized.

Baptism – what is the correct method?

The word meanings leave us in no doubt that immersion is the correct method of baptism. Check the following understandings. A transliteration of the Greek word Baptisma, meaning an immersion (baptizo means "baptize" or "immerse"). Every known instance of the use of baptisma and its cognates found in first century literature either demands or permits the word to be understood as "immerse." Donnegan.--"To immerse repeatedly into a liquid; to submerge, to soak thoroughly, to saturate; hence to drench with wine Liddell and Scott.--"To dip repeatedly, to dip under. Mid. to bathe; hence to steep, wet; metaph. oi bebaptismenoi, soaked in wine; to pour upon, drench, eisphorais ophlemasi beb. over head and ears in debt. Common usage - Sinking ships.--1. Shall I not laugh at the man who immerses his ship by overlading it? 2. Such a storm suddenly pervaded all the country, that the ships that were in the Tiber were immersed.

Symbolism of baptism

Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in the final resurrection of the dead. Baptism – the public witness Baptism is a public declaration of discipleship to Jesus Christ. It is a witness to the world of allegiance to Christ. All acts of baptism were public and took place as soon as possible after conversion. It speaks clearly about Christ’s work for sinners and precedes service for Christ.

Baptism – joining to Christ and to his people

People are converted as individuals but they are not to live the Christian life on their own. We are not only joined to Christ at our baptism, we are also joined to other believers. The New Testament understands this as joining with local believers who have been called out of the world to serve Christ. The letters of the New Testament are written to local groups of believers and wherever evangelism took place it had the goal of establishing local churches. Acts 14:21,23

Church Membership

Being a member of a local church is a wonderful privilege. It allows us to function as part of a local group of believers and enables us to use the gifts that God has given us. Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

Church membership is open to Christians only but it is not a place for “perfect” Christians. Spurgeon defined the church as a hospital ward for convalescing patients rather than a hothouse for prize blooms.

The Local Church is a place where imperfect people seek, with the aid of the Holy Spirit to be a Biblically functioning community where grace aids fellowship. “Church” is more than meeting for worship but a place to develop accountable relationships where love can be visibly shown. (John 13:34,35; Romans 12:5; Colossians 3:12-17. There is nothing better than a local church when it is working correctly!

Marks of a local church

• Finding God in the midst of a body of believers. Acts 2:40-47. This passage shows a commitment to church life as a place where we hear God’s truth from the Bible, enjoy real spiritual closeness, remember Christ’s death and pray together.

• Caring body Galatians 6:10

• Find and use God’s spiritual gift for the benefit of others 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12:3-8.

• Growth in the Lord 1 Corinthians 3:9-17; Ephesians 4:22-32 • Works of service through training. Ephesians 4:11-16

• Commitment to one another. Romans 12:5-13 Paul teaches that “each member belongs to all the others”. If everyone served everyone then all would be served! We will work towards a church that is composed of people from all walks of life who seek to live under God with the Bible as their guide in everything.

Marks of a Baptist Church

We are happy to stand alongside other Evangelical churches in the area and where possible wish to co-operate in evangelism and mutually helpful activities. However there are some things that are distinctive to Baptist belief and practice.

Congregational government

We believe that Christ is the head of this church. The affairs of the church are run by the congregation as a whole. This takes place either by direct decisions at a church members meeting or by delegated authority via the deacons and elders. At meetings of the church the intention is to seek the mind of Christ-not to vote on what the majority wants. This involves listening carefully to the discernment of the spiritual leadership of the church and being sensitive to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit.

Converted membership

It is always the desire of the church that membership is restricted to truly converted people. Believer’s baptism It is our Biblical conviction that only those who have been baptized as a believer can become members of this local church.

Responsibilities of membership

• Regular attendance at church meetings. Members are expected to have a meaningful involvement in the worship and ministry activities of the church.

• Service in the ministries of the church. Members are encouraged to exercise their gifts in the context of church life.

• Financial responsibility. Giving is between God and the individual. We are stewards of God’s gifts and are to give as the Lord has prospered our lives.

• Share in the decisions Attend members meetings and share in the decision making process of the church.

• Respect the spiritual direction of the leaders (this is not a blind obedience but according to Scripture) Leaders are accountable to the church as well as the church being accountable to the leaders. Finding out more If you have any questions or wish to be either baptized or join the church, talk to the pastor or another elder. He will seek to help you understand the church beliefs and practice. Everyone is welcome to attend this church but we would especially like to encourage anyone who is a committed Christian to join with us in membership. Together we can do more.