Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.                                                                                                               Matthew 28:19-20         

 

Dear Friends and Members of IBC,

As we continue to look at some important steps for new and renewed followers of Jesus, we reach a key step in the life of every believer: getting baptized.

Now and again, we might hear the question, ‘Why must I get baptized? Is it necessary for salvation?’ Well, different denominations might argue about it, but I would say that baptism isn’t an absolute necessity for salvation, in that it doesn’t make us a Christian. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone. I am sure we will see some people in heaven who never got baptized, the thief on the cross being one of them. And yet, at the same time, it is necessary in that Jesus commanded it in Matthew 28:19-20, even getting baptized Himself, to show His identification with us. It is one of two ordinances that Jesus established for the Church, practiced from the very beginning of the Church.

Baptism and salvation usually go hand in hand in the Bible. It is an outward sign, a public statement, a wordless sermon, of the new life that has taken place inside. Through baptism we show everyone that we are following Jesus now. In this regard, it isn’t an optional ‘add-on’ of the Christian life; something as believers we can choose to do or not.

The symbolism of water baptism is powerful, making it clear even to people with little knowledge of the Christian faith that the old has died and new life has begun. The entrance into the water and then remaining underwater for a second signifies the death and burial of Christ, the coming up out of the water symbolises Christ’s resurrection. Colossians 2:12 states that: “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”

If you have repented of your sins, accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, and are now following Him, then baptism is the next step in your Christian life. I encourage you to take Jesus’ command to do this seriously! We will hold our next baptism service at IBC on Sunday 8th October. You are welcome to contact the church office if you would like to talk about this important step.

God bless you

James