Baptist

Why is the church called a Baptist Church and what does it mean?

The word ‘baptist’ is a reference to the practice of only baptising believers.  Baptism by immersion is practised, that is the person goes under water and then rises up out of it, which is symbolic of their new life in Christ.

When someone is baptized it is seen as an act of obedience to the Lord.  It is also a statement to the world that someone is identifying as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ.  

It does not make someone a Christian.  The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.  See Ephesians 2 v8,9.

Whereas everyone is welcome to attend our church, baptism as a believer is required for membership.

So, why is baptism important?

Before his return to heaven, Jesus told his disciples, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of theFather, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…’ Matthew 28 v 18-20 NIV

And from the day of Pentecost and throughout the rest of the New Testament we see this practiced by the early church, for example;

Acts 8 - Philip baptized the Ethiopian official who had accepted the good news of Jesus Christ.

Acts 9 - Saul who had initially actively opposed the spread of Christianity comes to believe in Jesus and is baptized (probably by Ananias).

Acts 10 - Cornelius a Roman centurion, and his family come to faith after listening to Peter share about Jesus and they are baptized.

If you have any questions about baptism please get in touch.