Eastiew Community Church
Eastview Community Church

Today at Eastview

Baptism

Following the example set by Christ

At Eastview Community Church, the Scriptures are the source of our beliefs, including our views on baptism.

In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus commands his followers to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit..." Baptism is the means by which disciples of Christ are willingly identified. From passages in Acts 2, 8 and 10, it is evident that baptism came after an individual's decision to trust Christ for salvation. It was clearly an outward sign of something that had already occurred in the person's life (usually quite recently). The New Testament records the baptisms of adults who are believers but never of infants. It is to be understood that baptism does not give a person a higher standing with God or amongst other people but is done in obedience and as such pleases God.

In Romans 6:1-11, the apostle Paul explains how the immersion mode of baptism identifies the believer with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Going under water pictures Christ's death - coming out of the water illustrates His resurrection. While we believe the immersion mode best illustrates this work of Christ, this passage does not specifically mandate how much water should be used. The value of this sacrament is in the life and heart of the Christ follower, not in the amount of water used. So while baptism is a prerequisite for membership at Eastview and immersion is practiced here, we accept into membership all those who have been baptized in accordance with the above beliefs and standards regardless of the mode.

If the purpose of baptism is to publicly identify a new believer in Jesus Christ, the question may be asked, "Why are so many people baptized as babies?"

In the Bible we find parents bringing their children to Jesus. He held them, prayed for them and told his disciples to welcome them. But He did not baptize them and he did not tell anyone else to do so either. Baptism is only appropriate for those who have made a personal decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation.

If you were baptized as a child , it was no doubt the intent of your parents that you would one day be a follower of Jesus. Your baptism as an adult can viewed as the fulfillment of your parents' wishes.

Every person who has belief in Christ is encouraged to illustrate their acceptance and belief through baptism.

When you're ready, please contact us to learn more about baptism at Eastview.