Baptism and the Life of Faith

The New Testament records that Jesus was baptized by John (Matthew 3:13-17), and he commanded his disciples to teach and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Baptism is grounded in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; the grace which baptism makes available is that of the atonement of Christ which makes possible our reconciliation with God. Baptism involves dying to sin, newness of life, union with Christ, receiving the Holy Spirit, and incorporation into Christ's Church. United Methodists affirm this understanding in their official documents of faith.  Our doctrine calls baptism "a sign of regeneration or the new birth".

We believe that baptism is the work of God's grace toward humankind.  God's grace, like an everflowing stream, comes to us constantly, and baptism is a sign of such love.  Since grace is entirely about God's efforts toward us, we uphold infant baptism, taken from the stories of the New Testament. 

Please contact one of our ministers concerning baptism or call the church office with any questions (770-461-4313).