Baptism

By Water and the Spirit

Baptism has been a practice of the Christian fellowship since its earliest days. Jesus came to John the Baptist to be baptized. His baptism marked the beginning of his ministry. When the church began its ministry of preaching on the day of Pentecost, the Apostles called upon those who believe in Jesus to "repent and be baptized." From that time on baptism has been the accepted sign of entrance into the Christian life and fellowship. Baptism is a sign of "the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ." Grace means unmerited, unearned favor; it means freely given love. The fundamental truth of the gospel is that, "God loved us first." Baptism is also our entrance into church membership. By baptism we are initiated into Christ's Holy Church and marked as disciples (learners and followers) of Jesus Christ.