The Ordinances of the Church
Baptism
Buried with Christ
Description
Baptism is the initiatory ordinance of the church, commanded by Christ and practiced from the church's beginning. It is the outward sign of inward grace—a public confession of faith in Christ. In baptism we identify with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. We are buried with Him by baptism into death, that like as Christ was raised, even so we should walk in newness of life. Baptism does not save but demonstrates salvation already received. It pictures the washing of regeneration and marks entrance into the visible community of faith.
Key Verses
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.