JUST WHAT IS BAPTISM?
In short, it is a public testimony that I, as a baptismal candidate, have placed my faith and allegiance in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and desire to turn away from any un-Christ like behaviors or attitudes, and to become a fully-devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Baptism, therefore, points backward to the finished work of Christ in my life due to His death and resurrection, and points forward to my new-found life and journey of faith.
I UNDERSTAND WESTBROOK PRACTICES "BELIEVER'S BAPTISM".
JUST WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
The pattern in the New Testament consistently portrays a person coming to repentance and faith in Christ followed by baptism. This was true of Paul in Acts 9:17-19. It continues in Acts 10:47-48 and in Acts 16:31-34. In the early church, it was considered normal that once a person professed faith in Christ, he/she was baptized soon after as a public testimony of what Christ had done for them, and what they would do for Him (become a fully devoted follower of Christ).
AT WESTBROOK, YOU PRACTICE IMMERSION. WHY?
ARE THE OTHER EXPRESSIONS OF BAPTISM VALID?
We practice immersion not based on a biblical command, but because it is a graphic portrayal of your conversion experience (See Romans 6:3-4).
As for the other forms of baptism, we have no biblical mandates. We simply prefer and practice this highly symbolic picture.
WHAT DO YOU DO ABOUT CHILDREN?
Just as Jesus was children-friendly, so we as a church want to be children-friendly. While we don't practice infant baptism, we do have a parent-child dedication service for parents and their infants and children. (Copies of our preparation guide for this service are available from our church office.) As for older children who may feel they are ready for baptism, we leave this to the discretion of parents and Sunday School teachers as to a child's readiness based on their age and appropriate understanding of baptism. The same requirements for adult baptism apply for children and teens. Regardless of age, we desire that the baptism experience be one that will be full of meaning, pointing to a greater reality (faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior), and one that will be remembered for years to come!
WHAT KEY PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE ON BAPTISM WOULD HELP ME BETTER UNDERSTAND THE BACKGROUND AND MEANING OF BAPTISM?
Early church baptisms and teaching on baptism:
- Matthew 28:18-20 ~ Baptism commanded as part of Christ's Great Commission.
- Acts 2:38 ~ Baptism points to our forgiveness from sin.
- Acts 16:25-33 ~ Baptism practiced as evidence of a new-found faith.
- Romans 6:3-4 ~ Baptism points to our participation in the burial and resurrection of Christ.
- I Corinthians 12:13 ~ Baptism points to our inclusion in the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. (Also, Galatians 3:26,27)
- Titus 3:4-6 ~ Baptism points to our renewal by the Holy Spirit.
- 1 Peter 3:21-22 ~ Baptism points to our having a clear conscience before God.