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The Street City Church

9 Hania Street
PO Box 6218, Marion Square,
Wellington
Tel +64 4 385 7315
Fax +64 4 385 7309
Email office@thestreet.org.nz

You are here > Home / Resource / Baptism

Baptism

Baptism is an important event in the life of a believer in Jesus Christ. It is a public way of telling our family, our friends and any others who may know us about our faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus told his followers to go “and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19 20)

It is important to note that a person is not baptized to make them a Christian, but rather to show they are a Christian. Right at the beginning of the book of Acts, when the Church was formed, the disciple Peter called people to repentance and baptism. “Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

We can see that the early church saw baptism as an important part of the faith journey. But why is it necessary to be baptized and what does it signify? There are four facts you openly declare to others through baptism:

Your obedience to Jesus Christ

Jesus commanded that we be baptised. This is simply obeying his call. This step of obedience should be one of the first steps in a life characterized by obeying him. Our goal is to please God.

Your confession of Jesus Christ

Baptism has been described as an outward sign of an inward faith. It is faith expressed in action. You can show people in a tangible way that you have put your faith in Jesus Christ.

Your dedication to Jesus Christ

You promised to follow Jesus when you became a Christian, baptism can be seen as a further step of dedication. Give him your life as a living sacrifice, because of his wonderful mercy. Do this as your worship of Him. (Romans 12:1-2)

Your identification with Jesus Christ

Romans 6:3-14 describes the spiritual significance of baptism. It is a symbol of the beginning of our new life in Jesus Christ that is ours when we identify with his death, burial and resurrection when we become a Christian.

If you are thinking about baptism or have some questions you would like to ask about it, then please contact us at the office, we would love to talk with you and explain this exciting and life changing step of faith. Our next Baptism Class is going to be held after the morning service on Sunday 6 April. If you would like to sign up for this class, please email the office.