Water baptism is a testimony of our faith in Jesus Christ, identifying ourselves with His death, burial, and resurrection, and is a scriptural requirement for membership with the local church.
Identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ - A personal profession of faith.
Identifying us as Christians - A public profession of faith.
Identifying with a local church - A public profession of unity with other believers in a local church.
The Commandment to Baptize - Matthew 28:19
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost
By Immersion
Upon our confession of faith in Christ
Into membership in the church.
Of the early church - Acts 2:37-41
Added to church as were saved & baptized
Baptized into a local, new testament church.
Salvation before baptism - Acts 8:35-39
Baptism's relevance to membership
To identity with Christ - Colossians 2:11-13, Romans 6:3-11, II Corinthians 5:17
Death, burial, resurrection of Christ & of the believer.
Old life exchange for new life in Christ.
Identifying us as a renewed member of the church.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Indwelling upon salvation. - Romans 8:9
Identifies us as Christians. - I Corinthians 12:13
Memory Verse: II Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ,
he is a new creature; old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new.