Baptism
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
-Matthew 28:18-20
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. -Acts 2:38
We believe water baptism is a demonstration of the union with Christ a believer is given at salvation; being united with Christ's death (unto cleansing and freedom from sin's condemnation and dominion), and with Christ's resurrection (to walk in newness of life). Baptism also demonstrates the believer's placement in to the Family of God, the Church. Faith in Christ, and repentance of sin, being a part of the Spirit's work in regeneration, must therefore precede baptism. We practice baptism by immersion in water (a vivid illustration of Christ's death and resurrection), in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
