Baptism

What is Baptism?

 

Jesus commanded his first followers to

 

          “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

           and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20a).

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The early church book of Acts tells us what happened with first generation Christians. Adults who had decided to trust Jesus as Lord and Savior were baptized in water after their conversion. 

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And the New Testament mentions several times that when the head of a home believed, the whole household was baptised, which likely included children. (Read more about implications for the infants and children of believers here.)

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So in the Bible, baptism neither confers God’s grace, let alone acts as a precondition to earning it. It’s not even so much a sign of what we do in professing our faith.

 

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What does Baptism symbolize?

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The act of baptism symbolizes the washing away of sin for those who turn to Jesus (e.g. Acts 22:16, also Titus 3:5). It’s linked to the idea of turning from our old way back to God (which the Bible calls 'repentance').

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Baptism is also a sign of what God does, through uniting us with Christ, especially in the benefits of his death and resurrection (e.g. Romans 6:3-4). 

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Baptism is therefore only meaningful where there is a genuine decision and desire to follow Jesus and to serve him for the whole of our lives.

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Who may be baptized?

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Any person who professes faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, and has at least a basic understanding of the Christian faith, may be baptized. 

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In the case of children, it is the parents (and godparents) who act as the child’s sponsors. This is only meaningful where the sponsors have a genuine faith in Christ themselves, which ought to be seen in daily life and weekly engagement at church (e.g. Hebrews 10:23-25). 

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Therefore if you are not going to be a part of the body of Christ in a local church, then you are not ready to make the baptismal promises. 

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What should I do to be baptized at Grace By The Sea?

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The ministers who pastor Grace By The Sea are happy to talk about you or your child being baptized. They will provide instructions to prepare you for the baptismal service, which normally takes place during a Sunday service.

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When can I be baptized at the Grace By The Sea?

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Four traditional ‘Baptism Sundays’ take place each year, where we will be ready for baptisms at any of the Sunday services. These Sundays are called The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord (First Sunday after Epiphany in January), the Easter Vigil, Pentecost Sunday, and All Saints' Sunday (early November). However, other times can be arranged if needed. A conversation with a minister will help assist working out when the next available and suitable dates are, as well as enabling you to complete the preparation beforehand. We look forward to the possibility of serving you at this significant turning point of life.

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- Adapted from St. Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney, Australia​