Baptism

BaptismThe story of baptism

Baptism finds its roots in the ancient Near Eastern health custom of circumcision, which the Hebrews took over and gave special meaning. Almighty God declared to Abraham and Sarah that they would bear a son and through that son they would become progenitors of many nations. God promised to bless these nations through Abraham and the visible sign of this promise (covenant) was circumcision, which was performed on eight day old Hebrew male. Thus, circumcision became a sign of belonging to God's covenant family. Jewish people have practiced this rite since.

For Christians, the sign of belonging to God's covenant family is baptism, which was a widely performed purification rite. Christ commanded his followers to bear His name to the world and baptize all those who accept Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives. Baptism is not limited to adults in our tradition, but applies to the children of Christian adults as Jewish parents circumcised their male children. Children make their own profession of faith at the age of confirmation when they publicly accept the Christian faith as their own.

The meaning of baptism

Baptism is the sign and seal of inclusion in God's grace and covenant with the Church. When you are baptized you are indicating your belief that:

  • God created humanity perfect
  • Humans, through their original disobedience to God, have forever destroyed the perfect relationship they had with God
  • Sin is complete and humans are unable to correct their sinful condition on their own merit
  • To God alone belongs the initiative to make us His children
  • Through Christ's life, death, and resurrection we belong to God's covenant family
  • By accepting God's grace through Christ we are included in God's covenant family and we are reborn in the Holy Spirit
  • The waters of baptism point us back to God's grace and point us forward to the work of Christ who fulfills God's promised future

Who can be baptized at Memorial?

We practice infant baptism for children of members as long as at least one parent is a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA). All adults who come to faith are able to receive the Sacrament of baptism.

When is baptism offered at Memorial?

Baptisms occur as scheduled with the Pastor and approved by Session.

References

Genesis 17:1-14; Matthew 3:13-16; Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:16; Acts 8:26-39; the Presbyterian Church (USA) Directory for Worship (W-2.3)