Why we practice “believer’s baptism”

Why we practise believer’s baptism

Baptism is an outward sign of an inward response to the gospel and a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ.

In the New Testament, people are consistently baptised after they repent and believe:

“Repent and be baptised”
(Acts 2:38)

Baptism does not save us. Salvation comes through God’s grace as we trust in Jesus. However, baptism is an important and normal step of obedience for those who follow him.

Why baptism follows personal faith

Throughout the New Testament, baptism follows a personal response to the gospel. People hear the message about Jesus, believe it, and are then baptised.

Because of this pattern, we practise baptism for those who are able to make their own response of faith.

Baptism is therefore both:

• a declaration of trust in Jesus
• and a sign of belonging to his people

Why we baptise by full immersion

The Greek word used in the New Testament for baptism, baptizo, means to immerse or plunge.

This reflects the meaning baptism carries. Scripture connects baptism with being united with Jesus in his death and resurrection:

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death… in order that… we too might walk in newness of life."
Romans 6:4

Going under the water symbolises burial with Christ. Rising from the water symbolises new life in him.

For this reason, we practise baptism by full immersion.

What baptism means

Baptism is a powerful moment in the life of a Christian. It is:

• an act of obedience to Jesus
• a declaration of faith
• a sign of new life
• a step of belonging to the church family

It strengthens faith, both for the person being baptised and for those who witness it.

Is baptism necessary for salvation?

The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Baptism does not make someone a Christian. However, it is part of the normal pattern of following Jesus and an important step of obedience after coming to faith.

Jesus said:

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them…”
Matthew 28:19

Because of this, baptism has always been part of Christian discipleship.

What if I was baptised as a baby?

Many people were baptised as infants as part of their church background or family tradition. We respect and honour the significance this often holds.

At New Community, we practise baptism following a personal response of faith because this is the pattern we see in the New Testament.

For this reason, some people who were baptised as infants later choose to be baptised as believers as a way of expressing their own faith in Jesus.

If this is something you are thinking about, we would be very happy to talk with you.