The Sacrament of Baptism
Recently, someone came to me interested in joining the church but wanted to learn more about the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s understanding of Baptism. Here are some of our key understandings:
- We baptize with water because Jesus was baptized in water by John the Baptist.
- Baptism is a sign of God’s love for us and a seal (or mark) upon us that we are included in God’s family of faith.
- We baptize babies, children, youth and adults.
- Baptism is an affirmation of God’s love for us which is a gift from God not dependent on our knowledge or love of God. We do not earn God’s love nor can any of us ever fully understand such love.
- Baptism normally takes place in worship with the community of faith.
- The person being baptized, the pastor, the family and the congregation are all participants in a baptismal service.
- A person is baptized “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” because of Jesus’ great commission to his disciples (Matthew 28:19).
- A person needs to be baptized only once in his or her life because this mark of God’s love can never be revoked nor worn out.
- Baptism calls for decision every step of one’s life as one grows and matures in the name of Jesus Christ.
If you have never been baptized before and would like to be, please talk with one of the elders or
Laurey Murphy, the pastor.
– Laurey
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