If so, you may have some questions about baptism. We would love to speak with you about your next steps in the faith. In the meantime, we hope to provide some answers here.
Jesus commanded his followers to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19-20) The early church followed this command as they set out to change the world with the good news about Jesus.
On one important occassion, the day of Penecost, three-thousand people responded to the preaching of Peter and were baptized for the forgiveness of sin and the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38-41) All throughout the rest of the book of Acts, we see a consistent practice concerning baptism: People heard the good news of Jesus, they believed, and they were baptized immediately. (Acts 2:38-41, 8:34-39, 9:18-19, 10:47-48, 16:14-15, 19:4-5, 22:16)
The rest of the New Testament is full of references to baptism and provide an explanation of its significance and meaning. The letters of Paul teach us that baptism is a type of burial, where we die to sin and arise to live a new life. As we are immersed in water and subsequently raised up, it is symbolic of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, which is the very heart of the gospel message. (Romans 6:1-5, Colossians 2:12) The apostle Peter explains in his first epistle that baptism is associated with salvation, but it is not the water that saves, it is the pledge of a good conscience toward God. (1 Peter 3:21)
At Cornerstone, we believe that the Bible portrays baptism as an essential part of becoming a part of God's family. It is the act that signifies the beginning of our walk with Christ, our death to self, the remission of our sins, and the point at which we “clothe ourselves” with the righteosness of Christ. (Galatians 3:27)
Considering baptism or have more question?
We'd love to speak with you. Contact us today.