Baptism

Of The Christian and Missionary Alliance

Baptism Water Baptism was established by Jesus when he called his apostles to make disciples of all nations and to baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20). Christian and Missionary Alliance churches encourage all followers of Jesus to be baptized. The Bible's word for 'baptize' means 'immerse', 'douse', or 'saturate'. In the two full accounts of baptism found in the New Testament, believers were immersed in water. Matthew 3:16 and Acts 8:38-39. Because of the meaning of the word 'baptize' and the mode of the first baptisms, Alliance churches practice baptism by immersion. PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR BAPTISM 1. Although the Bible does not state a minimum age at which a person may be baptized, the believer should be old enough to understand the significance of baptism. 2. Baptism is not required to receive God's salvation. However, all who have trusted Christ are encouraged to follow Him in baptism as a step of obedience. 3. People who were baptized as believers before affiliating with an Alliance church need not be re-baptized. 4. In cases where immersion is impossible due to physical limitations, an alternate mode is acceptable. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" -- Matthew 28:19