Baptism is symbolic of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
Once we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, baptism is a way for us to publicly declare our new life in Christ. It is also a step of obedience based on God’s commands and allows us to follow the example of Jesus, who submitted himself to baptism to “fulfill all righteousness.”
(Matthew 3:16-17, 28:18-20 Acts 2:41, 8:12, Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12)
We believe that the New Testament teaches the following regarding baptism.
First, there is the baptism by which the repentant sinner, upon trusting Jesus Christ as His Savior, is baptized by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ.
(1 Cor. 12:13).
Second, there is water baptism by immersion for believers only.
This we believe to be an ordinance of the church, by which the believer experiences the reality of the power of the cross by identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
(Matt. 28:19-20; Rom. 6:3-6).
Third, there is the filling or baptism in the Holy Spirit by the Lord Jesus Christ, which may occur at or following conversion as the Lord sees fit according to his purpose. We believe that the gifts of the spirit are evidence of this baptism. Further, we believe that by the believer’s yielding to the Holy Spirit, his very weakness is transformed into strength to be a witness for Jesus Christ in power and to live according to the will of God.
(Acts 1:5, 8; 2:4, 38; 10:46; 11:28; 19:6; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Romans 12:3-8 ).
What’s the next step?
If you or someone you love has received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior yet have never been baptized, we would be honored to perform a baptism for you.
For more information or to schedule your baptism please contact @ sam.walker@cortnorth.com