It
is important to understand what the Bible means when it talks
about "Baptism." Here are
some reasons why we "dip" (immerse) at MCC:
<1>
In
the Bible, water baptism is always "dipping."
The
very meaning of the greep word that the Bible uses for "baptize"
is "to cover completely under water."
<2>
Jesus
himself was "dipped" under water. See
Mark 1:9-11.
<3>
Baptism symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection.
When
you read Romans 6:1-5, you can see that baptism has a very important
meaning: when we repent of our sins ("putting them to death"),
being "buried" under the water, and being "raised"
up out of the water, we identify with the death, burial and
resurrection of Jesus. We believe that a person should understand
the meaning and purpose of baptism, because it is important
to God. It is a physical symbol of a spiritual reality!
<4>
We
also believe that baptism, which is connected to our salvation
and new life through Christ, is a decision that each person
must make for themselves. For
example, in the Bible we see that baptism goes together with
faith and repentance.
(See Acts 2:38 and 16:31-34, Galatians 3:26-27.) This is why
we practice baptism for adults, who have decided
for themselves to accept Christ's gift of salvation
and follow Him as their Lord.
If you have any
other questions about baptism and salvation, please let
us know!
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