BAPTISM

Christian baptism, according to the Bible, is an outward testimony of what has occurred inwardly in a believer's life. Christian baptism, therefore, illustrates the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. The Bible states: Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. - Romans 6:3-4

In Christian baptism, Calvary Bible Church (CBC) recognizes two requirements before a person is baptized: (1) the person being baptized must confess allegiance to Jesus Christ as Savior, and (2) the person must understand what baptism signifies.

Because the word "baptize" is a transliteration of the Greek word "baptismos," which means "to dip in or under the water," baptism, by its inherent definition, shall be an act of immersion in water at CBC. In certain cases, baptism by immersion may not be feasible, and in these cases, special accommodations can be made by the Elder Board.

As there is one body, there is one baptism (Ephesians 4:4-6). CBC recognizes all baptisms by immersion administered by other Protestant churches in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

All baptisms shall be administered by a confirmed Christian in the name of the Trinity; and applied to confessing believers only. Based on Matthew 28:18-20, it is the position of the CBC Pastoral Staff/Elder Board that true believers hold the necessary authority to baptize, just as every believer has the authority from God to evangelize and teach all that Christ commanded.

Concerning an individual who was baptized before he/she became a Christian- (e.g., one who was baptized as an infant or baptized later in life but did not truly know Jesus as Savior)-such a person must be baptized by immersion. CBC holds the view that baptism is a post-salvation act. The symbolism of baptism (which pictures a believer's spiritual death and resurrection in Christ and the washing away of sins) is lost if a person has not truly experienced salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.