Symbols are powerful. A great symbol can cross language barriers, evoke strong emotions, efficiently communicate concepts, and lodge in memory. Is it any wonder that Jesus constantly commanded the church to rehearse two symbols—baptism and communion?
Communion reminds believers of Jesus’ death, resurrection and return, the basis of their faith. Baptism symbolises a believer's salvation, the beginning of their faith.
In particular, baptism is an external sign of an internal change. At the moment of salvation, a person is united to Christ, his death, burial and resurrection. At that exact moment, their sins are washed away (forgiven), and they become disciples of Jesus. Baptism symbolises these truths (see Romans 6, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:38).
Jesus commanded baptism when he gave his disciples the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20), and the early church practised baptism from the very beginning (Acts 2:41; 8:12-13; 8:36-38; 9:17-18; 10:47-48; 16:14-15; 16:31-33; 18:8; 19:3-5). All the baptisms that take place in the Bible are of believers. People came to faith in Jesus and then were baptized to symbolize what had happened. We believe most baptisms were by immersion, partly because this was the cultural practice of the Jews and partly because the word ‘baptize’ itself means ‘to dip’ or ‘to immerse.”
We are having a baptism in two weeks. If you also want to be baptized, please visit the KBC website and use the contact form.
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