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Investigating Baptism
Thank you for taking the time to investigate baptism. We are excited that you’re considering this next step and hope it proves to be a meaningful experience in your spiritual journey.
At St. Mark’s we believe that baptism is an important act for every person who has accepted Christ as the Forgiver and Leader of their lives. This brochure has been designed to explain baptism at our church and the steps necessary to being baptized.
We consider it a privilege to walk with you as you journey toward becoming a fully developing Christ follower.
Who Should Be Baptized
Once a person confesses that he or she is a sinner and turns to Christ for salvation, the Bible says that they should openly proclaim their life change to the world. Baptism has always stood as a kind of public testimony for people who have moved from seeker to believer.
Believers are those who have realized that their sin has separated them from God. They have given up all efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ's death on the cross for their sins and His resurrection from the dead is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God. So, a believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for his or her salvation.
If you have come to this point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized. If you’re not at this place in your walk toward faith and have questions about how to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ, please contact one of St. Mark’s staff pastors
What Does Baptism Mean?
Baptism is a way of demonstrating publicly that a person has entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Just as a bride and groom tell of their love for one another through the symbol of rings, baptism symbolizes a person’s union with Christ. While the act of baptism doesn’t save a person, it does symbolize what took place in the individual’s heart at the time of salvation:
- Acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior(Forgiver/Leader). Romans 10:9
- Becoming a new person. 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Joining God’s family (The Body of Christ) 1 Corinthians 12:13
The act of baptism reminds us we have been washed clean, been given a new life and are adopted as one of God’s children through faith in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. Being placed under water illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection (Romans 6:4).
How Do We Baptize At St. Mark’s?
St. Mark’s offers baptism by immersion and sprinkling. While the word “Baptize” means to dip under water, there is evidence of many forms of baptism being practiced by the ancient church. At St. Mark’s we honor the various traditions of the Christian church and believe that a person’s obedience to Christ’s command to be baptized is more important than the amount of water being used (Matthew 28:19-20).
When Should I Be Baptized?
After becoming a believer we encourage you to participate in the next available opportunity the church provides for baptism (Acts 2:41, Acts 8:35-38). If you wait until you feel you are a “good enough” believer, you will never feel ready for baptism. St. Mark’s schedules an immersion service each August at the lake and a sprinkling service during the winter months. Look for scheduled dates in the weekend service bulletin or online at www.stmarkschurch.org.
What If I Was Baptized As An Infant?
While St. Mark’s respects and continues to practice the tradition of infant baptism, we view infant baptism as a parental decision - made on behalf of the infant - to offer their child in dedication to God. This act demonstrates the parent’s intent to raise their child in a way that naturally supports them choosing to become a Christ follower when they are older. Once the person has personally placed faith in Christ, we believe the biblical next step is public baptism as a believer.
If you were baptized as a child, it was the intent and hopes of your parents that you would one day be a follower of Christ. Your baptism as an adult can be viewed as the fulfillment of your parents' prayers. It in no way repudiates the baptism you received as a child.
If you have further questions, please contact one of St. Mark’s staff pastors at 336-584-8983.
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