Baptism

Baptism is one of two ordinances we practice here at Peaceful Valley Church.  We believe that every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ should be baptized (Acts 2:41; 8:12).  It doesn’t make you a believer- it shows what you already believe.  We are saved by God’s grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9).

A person who is baptized is following the example set by Jesus (baptized by John- Matt. 3:13-17) and is and being obedient to His command (Matt. 28:19-20).  It also serves as a statement of one’s faith.  In Acts 18 it says, “… many who heard him (Paul- his testimony that Jesus is the Christ) believed and were baptized.”

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision to follow Jesus.  It illustrates the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:3-4) and gives us a picture of new life in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).  Tell the world you believe by being baptized!

Oftentimes people wait to be baptized but that’s not biblical.  A person should be baptized as soon as they become a believer and realize the importance of publicly declaring their faith and identifying with Christ.  A good example is found in Acts 8:35-38.  Philip shared the Good News about Jesus to an Ethiopian eunuch.  This man was an important official on his way home from Jerusalem.  The Bible says that as they traveled along the road they came to some water and the eunuch was baptized by Philip.  He believed the Good News and was baptized that same day.  So were those who believed in Acts 2:41.

A common question is, “What if I was baptized as a baby? ”  Some churches practice a ‘baptism of confirmation’ for children.  The parents promise to raise their son or daughter in the faith until that child understands enough to make a personal confession of faith.  It’s actually a tradition that began some 300 years after the Bible was completed, but is not biblical.  The baptism of the Bible is only for those old enough to believe.  The purpose is to publicly express your personal commitment to Jesus Christ.  We only baptize those who believe that Christ’s death satisfied the payment due for sin.

If you were baptized as a baby we encourage you to be baptized now as a believer.   It will affirm the promise your parents made and allow you to make a personal commitment to follow Jesus for the rest of your life to the best of your ability.  Testify to the world that you believe by being baptized!