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BAPTISM

about baptism

Baptism is an important step of obedience that shows others we have trusted Jesus as Lord of our salvation. When Christians are baptized they are submerged under water to identify with the death and burial of Jesus and raised out of the water to identify with His resurrection. Individuals often have questions regarding baptism: Why be baptized? Should I be baptized again? Please take a few minutes and read the facts about baptism.

Why Be Baptized?

Those who are baptized are following Jesus’ example and obeying His command. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3:16-17 ESV

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 28:18-20 ESV

What is the Significance of Baptism?

Water baptism is a public declaration of three very important things:
  • You are a follower of Jesus Christ. “So those who received his word were baptized” – Acts 2:41 ESV
  • You are beginning a changed life in Christ. “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” – Romans 6:4 ESV
  • You are part of a new family. “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” – Galatians 3:26-27 ESV

I have already been baptized, should I be baptized again?

Your baptism should have signified you becoming a follower of Jesus, beginning a changed life, and uniting with a new family. If your baptism did not reflect this change of life, then you should be baptized again.

CHILD DEDICATION

Child dedication is a commitment to raise your child in the ways of the Lord. This dedication is not a statement of salvation for your child, but rather a statement of how you will raise your child. While not a command of Scripture, baby dedication can be a symbol – similar to a wedding band – of your desire to obediently raise your child in the knowledge and instruction of the Lord. It should be done with a community of believers who know you personally and can commit to walking with you in this commitment.

Throughout the year, we offer opportunity for young children to be dedication to God by their families. We typically have child dedication services two times a year. The dedication ceremony is a symbolic way for parents to offer the child to God and recognize that as parents, they are stewards of the child's life. It also acknowledges the parent's intent to raise the child in a God-honoring manner.
As a part of this dedication, you as a parent commit to:

  • Publicly affirm your personal faith in Christ as renew your dedication to Him and His Word.
  • Pray for God's direction in your lives and in the lives of your children
  • Faithfully participate in a Christian community as a family
  • Teach your children the Truths of God's word
  • Anticipate and seek to lead your children to a personal faith in Christ

Please contact our office at 248-904-4017 or email info@gracegospelfellowship.org.