Baptism

When the local church was established, recorded in the second chapter of Acts, two ordinances were established: baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:19-20; Romans 6:1-6). An ordinance is an outward duty prescribed by Christ to be performed by His church. Baptize comes from the Greek word baptizo, which means “to dip under” or “to immerse” (Acts 8:38). Baptism is a symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 6:3,4; Colossians 2:12) and is only for believers (Luke 3:7-8). Baptism is commanded for those who have trusted Christ to be their personal Savior (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 10:48; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28; Luke 22:19). Baptism is neither a prerequisite nor a part of salvation. Acts 2:38 which states: “Repent and be baptized…” simply provides the Biblical order for baptism - repentance (and faith) first, then baptism. In addition, Scripture neither teaches nor encourages infant baptism (Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5,6; Acts 16:33-34; 18:8). Baptism does not save anyone.