Churches of Christ have a reputation for placing much stress on
the need for baptism. However, we do not emphasize baptism as a
'church ordinance," but as
a command of Christ. The New Testament teaches baptism as
an act which is essential to salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38. Acts
22:16). We do not practice infant baptism because New Testament
baptism is only for sinners who turn to the Lord in belief and
penitence. An infant has no sin to repent of, and cannot qualify as
a believer. The only form of baptism we practice in churches of
Christ is Immersion. The Creek word from which the word baptize
comes means "to dip, to immerse, to submerge, to plunge,” And the
Scriptures always point to baptism as a burial (Acts 8 35-39; Romans
6-3.4; Colossians 2 12). Baptism is extremely Important
because the New Testament sets forth the following purposes for It;
1)
It is to enter the kingdom (John
3:5).
2)
It is to contact Christ's blood
(Romans 6:3.4).
3)
It Is to get into Christ (Galatians
3:37).
4)
It is for salvation (Mark 16:16. I
Peter 3:21).
5)
It is for the remission of sins (Acts
2:38).
6)
It is to wash away sins (Acts- 22.16)
7)
It is to get into the church
(I Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:23).
Since Christ died for the sins of the whole world and the
invitation to share in this saving grace is open to every one (Acts
10 34.35, Revelation 22 17), we do not believe that anyone is
predestined for salvation or condemnation. Some will choose to come
to Christ in faith and obedience and will be saved. Others will
reject his plea and be condemned (Mark 1616). These will not be lost
because they were marked for condemnation, but because that's the
path they choose. Wherever you are at this moment, we hope you will
decide to accept the salvation offered by Christ - that you
will offer yourself in obedient faith and become a member of His
church.
~~~~~ copied~~~~~
