Baptism

Baptism is the full immersion into water, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, of those who have made a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

The practice of baptising those who have come to faith in Christ (“believers’ baptism”) follows the clear teaching of the New Testament:

  • Jesus set the example

 “Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan” Mark 1:9

  • Jesus commanded it

 “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" Matthew 28:19

  • The disciples taught it

 “Repent and be baptised, every one of you

  ... for the forgiveness of your sins”  Acts 2:38

  • The early church practiced it

 “Those who accepted his message were baptised” Acts 2:41

Some churches practise what is called infant baptism. However, we believe the Bible teaches us that baptism should be reserved for that time when a person is old enough to make a personal decision to put their faith in Jesus.

It should be emphasised that the decision to be baptised has nothing to do with being good enough. It is simply about belief in Jesus and wanting to become one of his followers.

Baptism is a symbolic act that is rich in meaning:

  • It is a sign of belief in Jesus

“Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved” Mark 16:16

  • It is a sign of being made clean from sin

“Get up, be baptised and wash your sins away” Acts 22:16

  • It is a sign of the Holy Spirit living in us

 “Repent and be baptised ... and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” Acts 2:38

  • It is a sign of joining the church

“For we were all baptised by one Spirit into one body” 1 Corinthians 12:13

  • It is a sign of commitment to follow Jesus

“We were buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead ... we too may live a new life” Romans 6:4

Are you a follower of Jesus but have not been baptised as a believer? We would encourage you to seriously consider being baptised, no matter how recently or long ago you became a Christian. Please speak to the Minister if you would like to discuss this further.

The promises made by a person being baptised during a baptismal service are as follows:

  • Do you believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

I do

  • Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour?

I do

  • Do you turn from sin, renounce evil and intend to follow Christ?

I do

  • Will you live within the fellowship of the church and will you serve Jesus Christ in the world?

I will

A baptismal service is a time of great celebration, not only for the candidate, but for the whole church. It is a time to praise God for the way in which he brings us into relationship with himself, transforming our lives for ever.

Want to know more?

You can find out more about life at UBC by speaking to any of the leadership team including the ministers, or anyone who is a regular member of the congregation or use the contact details.