Baptism

Why be baptised?

The Church believes in the New Testament pattern of conversion as exemplified in the Book of Acts. An individual is ready for baptism only if he believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, has repented of his past sins and is ready to confess his faith in Jesus Christ.

Water baptism by immersion is essential for the forgiveness of sins. When a person is lowered into the water, it is likened to the burial of Jesus; when he is raised from the water, it is likened to the resurrection of Jesus. It is an act of obedient faith by identifying with Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. It is a memorial of a person’s choice to accept Jesus as his Saviour and surrendering his life to Jesus in his manner of living. It is the beginning of a lifelong commitment to become a disciple of Christ.

Please read the following verses to find the context of baptism in the Bible:

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16

“Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4