BAPTISM AND COMMUNION - WE BELIEVE
Baptism and Communion are a significant part of Baptist practice and worship. We believe that Jesus gave the church two commands to follow: baptism and communion (Matthew 28:19; Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25).
BAPTISM
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 28:19 
COMMUNION
And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 |
Baptism symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus that has made possible our salvation. Baptism also symbolizes that a person through faith in Christ has passed from death to life and that this person has identified with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12). As Baptists, we follow the example of Christ who was baptized by John the Baptist and practice the total immersion of a person in water, which symbolizes this death, burial and resurrection. The act of baptism is an opportunity for a believer to publicly testify that sin has been forgiven through Jesus. Jesus shared his Last Supper with his disciples as part of the Jewish Passover (Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:14-20). Unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine were part of the meal. Jesus said that the bread symbolized his body and the fruit of the vine symbolized his blood shed for us. Communion is an opportunity for special communion with the Lord, expressing our thanks for his sacrifice that enables us to be forgiven of our sin. Baptists believe that the Lord’s Supper is offered to all those who have been born again and baptized. |