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Getting Baptised

Why Baptism?

Jesus gave baptism to us and commanded it. “Go therefore 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 early church obeyed this command. Jesus himself set the example when He was baptised by John the Baptist in the Jordan River.

At True Way we believe that baptism is a sacrament. It’s a visible action with a physical element that conveys a spiritual reality. The visible action and physical element is the application of water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The spiritual reality conveyed is unity with Christ through entry into His body, and the washing away of sin (Romans 6:4; Titus 3:5).

As Presbyterians we don’t teach that baptism is a prerequisite for salvation, because we are ultimately saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ. But we affirm that Jesus works in our lives through baptism by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism is also an outward profession of the inward faith that we have in Christ, and a public commitment to follow Him as a member of a local church. That’s why baptism is a prerequisite for joining in the Lord’s Supper, at which we commemorate Jesus’ death and resurrection and receive His body and blood as one communion of believers united in Him.

If you have put your faith in Jesus but have not been baptised, do not tarry! You can find out more about baptism and membership here or sign up for our next membership class.