Baptism/Confirmation

What is Believer Baptism?

Throughout the New Testament we find people being baptized to say to their family, friends and community that they have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. In the Bible baptism almost always accompanied the moment of conversion so that they were one and the same step. We encourage anyone who has put their faith in Christ and not ever been baptized to take the step of publicly affirming that they now live for Christ. Baptism does not save a person, but rather it affirms, celebrates and tells the world that salvation has taken place. Out of obedience to Christ’s command, baptism is the final step in telling your world about your commitment to Christ.

What is Infant Baptism?

Baptism is the public sign that we have received Jesus Christ as our only Savior and want to live for Him. Believer baptism (baptism done after a person has made a personal confession of faith in Christ) looks back on that moment. Infant Baptism looks ahead in anticipation of that moment when the one baptized as an infant will personally and willfully receive Jesus as Savior and Lord of their life. The Bible does not teach that salvation occurs when an infant is baptized. They must still come to a personal saving faith in Christ. Therefore, infant baptism should not be practiced out of fear for the condition of the soul of the unbaptized child. The great responsibility in infant baptism is on the parents, and those in the church community, to teach their child about Jesus and his/her need for salvation.

If you are interested in being baptized, please contact us at baptism@binnerriem.org.