Baptism is an acknowledgment of God’s forgiveness & lovE
It’s the hallmark of a journey of faith with God which will continue for the rest of our lives.
“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”
For all involved it is a joyful moment when we celebrate what God has done for us in Christ, making serious promises and declaring our faith. Water baptism is an essential part of New Testament salvation and is not merely a symbolic ritual. It is part of entering into the kingdom of God (God's church, the bride of Christ), and therefore, it is not merely a part of local church membership. (See John 3:5 and Galatians 3:27).
The baptism service paints many vivid pictures of what happens on the Christian journey. Water baptism reminds us of the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism by full submersion in water symbolises how we die to sin and raise to a new life in Christ. Water is also a sign of new life, as we are born again by water and receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit. This reminds us of Jesus' baptism.
“Jesus said, ‘I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly’”