Overview and Statement of Faith
Water baptism is only intended for those who have received the saving benefits of Christ through the new birth of the Holy Spirit. In obedience to Christ’s command and as a testimony to God, the Church, oneself, and the world, believers are baptized by water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Water baptism is a visual and symbolic demonstration of a person’s union with Christ in the likeness of His death and resurrection. It signifies that a former way of life has been put to death and vividly depicts the release from the mastery of Satan, sin, and death.
What is Baptism?
Baptism and communion (the Lord’s Supper) are the two ordinances prescribed by our Lord Jesus Christ as visible symbols of invisible grace. They are discernible and tangible representations of both the invisible realities of the gospel and the Spirit’s application of this gospel to our lives.
Through both ordinances, believers “remember” God’s goodness and grace, especially as revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Both baptism and communion are pictures of Christ’s death and resurrection and our participation in both through the union to Him in faith. As we enter into the waters or watch another do so, we are reminded that Christ was crucified and raised from the dead and that we, too, have died to the old self in order to live for Christ.
Our denomination, the Church of the Nazarene declares that Christian baptism, commanded by our Lord, is a sacrament signifying acceptance of the benefits of the atonement and incorporation into the Body of Christ. Baptism is a means of grace proclaiming faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. It is to be administered to believers indicating their full purpose of obedience in holiness and righteousness. As participants in the new covenant, young children and the morally innocent may be baptized upon request of parents or guardians. The church shall give assurance of Christian training. Baptism may be administered by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion.
As a symbol, baptism illustrates four significant realities:
Christ’s death and resurrection
The disciple’s union with Christ in His death and resurrection
The new life in which a disciple walks
Cleansing and washing away of sin
Is Baptism Merely a Symbol?
Without attempting to justify any particular position, it is important to assert that baptism is in some mysterious sense a “means of grace,” in which God sanctifies and encourages His people. That said, it is important to bear in mind a few helpful truths regarding what baptism is not and does not do:
BAPTISM DOES NOT SAVE. Though grace is mysteriously mediated through the ordinance, it is not saving grace but rather sanctifying grace. We are more conformed to the image of Christ as we obey Him in the call to be baptized.
BAPTISM IS NOT “NECESSARY” FOR SALVATION. Without diminishing the duty and delight of baptism for a believer, we must warn against the doctrine which suggests that salvation is dependent upon baptism. The gospel is one of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone.
Who Should Be Baptized?
Anyone who has confessed Christ as Lord should enter the baptismal waters. If someone has been baptized before, we engage in a deeper discussion around the circumstance and determine whether we should or not. We are not in the habit of re-baptizing people unless absolutely necessary.
At FCC, we prefer to baptize people by immersion. Our denomination and theological tradition allows baptism by pouring or sprinkling. But we truly do prefer immersion in light of the following considerations:
The Greek word βαπτίζω (baptizo) literally means to plunge, submerge, or immerse.
The representation of union in Christ’s death and resurrection is best expressed through immersion.
The surrounding context of baptisms in the Scriptures suggests baptism by immersion.
How Should a Person Be Baptized?
When Should a Person Be Baptized?
Once a person has confessed Christ as Savior, they will then have a meeting with one of the pastors to make sure they understand the true meaning of Baptism. Once it is clear they have an understanding and are truly following Christ, their baptism will be scheduled. We encourage no delay in that decision or process.
Where Should a Person Be Baptized?
Although there are no specific commands in the Scriptures to location, we consistently see the early church baptize in the presence of the local church, therefore we prefer to practice the ordinance within the context of the local church which allows the congregation to celebrate together in a person’s act of obedience and submission.
Who Should Baptize Someone?
The Bible gives no prescription for the requirements to perform baptism. But Scripture does show that spiritual matters are best handled by those in spiritual authority. Therefore, we hold that those who are called to pastoral ministry and licensed as such should perform the baptism.