Baptism initiates us into Christ’s whole Church. We recognize all Christian baptisms and look upon baptism as something that unites us. Baptism is an act that looks back with gratitude on what God’s grace has already accomplished, it is here and now an act of god’s grace, and it looks forward to what God’s grace will accomplish in the future. While baptism signifies the whole working of god’s grace, much that it signifies, from the washing away of sin to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, will need to happen during the course of a lifetime. If an act of personal Christian commitment has taken place, baptism celebrates that act and the grace of God that has made it possible. If such an act has not yet taken place, baptism anticipates that act, declares its necessity, and celebrates God’s grace that will make it possible.
Persons of any age are suitable for baptism. We baptize by all modes used by Christians, sprinkling, pouring or immersing. Each mode brings out part of the rich and diverse symbolism given to baptism by the Bible. Each is a form of washing which symbolizes the washing away of sin (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:22; 1 Peter 3:21). Being totally buried in water and raised from it is also a powerful symbol of our burial and resurrection with Christ (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12) and of being born anew of water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5; Titus 3:5). Pouring or sprinkling water upon the candidate’s head also signifies God’s pouring out of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:9-10; Luke 3:21-22; Acts 2:38; 19:1-7).
If you have more questions about baptism or want to be baptized, contact Pastor Brian at brianf@jfumc.org
