Baptism

Baptism is one of two sacraments of the church, the the sign and seal of the Covenant of Grace, and the logical successor of circumcision after the coming of Christ.

The churches have many disagreements about the mode and efficacy of baptism.  We believe the important components are water and the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Who is to be Baptized

Children

Children of Christian parents are to be considered as covenant members and are not to be denied the sign and seal of the Covenant of Grace.  

Adults

Anyone who confesses with the mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord is a candidate for baptism.

What Baptism Does

We believe that baptism does not save, but serves as a mark, something we can look back to as a sign of God's promise to us; it is He, after all, Who in His great mercy allowed us to be born into a community where baptism is practiced and Christ's promises believed.  Throughout our lives we strive to, as the old Puritan divines said, "improve our baptism."

Baptism is separate from saving faith, and can proceed it.