Baptism signifies forgiveness of
sins, inner transformation of mind and heart, and a pledge of a life of
obedient discipleship. By receiving baptism, the believer declares publicly that one has
submitted oneself to one's brothers and sisters, that is the church. If
one transgresses, they have the power to admonish, punish, exclude, and
restore (Matthew 18:15-17).
So, believers' baptism should be reserved
for committed disciples only. It has
no meaning where faith in Christ is absent. Baptism by water should
never be administered without prior profession of faith in Jesus Christ
as Lord and Savior. Baptism in water is not what cleanses the soul, but
the 'yes' of a good conscience toward God, given inwardly by faith.
Baptism for the believer symbolizes his newness of life and his
determination to follow Christ even unto death.
It was to the Church that the Great Commission was given. Only the Church has authority to baptize. All baptisms administered without the scriptural church authority are null and void.
Scriptural baptism is the water immersion of a saved person by the authority of a scriptural church. And water baptism by immersion
is a beautiful symbol of our identification with Our Lord's death,
burial, and resurrection.
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