Here at NWH, we believe that baptism is the outward demonstration of the inward reality of our faith in Jesus Christ. It is a step of obedience and pictures our identification with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. It is post-conversion, public immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ.
We practice baptism only by immersion in water because we believe this follows the example of Christ and because it best fulfills the Scriptural mandate regarding baptism, signifying dying with Christ and rising to new life.
Why we believe that baptism is important:
- To obey Christ's command to be baptized following new faith in Jesus Christ.
- To show that a person is a disciple of Christ.
- To follow the example of Christ.
MATTHEW 28:18–20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
ACTS 2:37–41 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
If you have any further questions about baptism, please reach out to us. We'd love to talk to you. Email us at info@nwhills.com.