Baptism

The Frankford Church of Christ family warmly greet you with love and respect! Because we have been so blessed in our relationship with God, we are eager to share it with everyone. The following is what we have done to be in relationship with God:

First, we must acknowledge that God is GOD. And God’s Will will be done! Therefore, we have no punishment or paradise that we can send one to.

However, we do not want to guess where we will stand on the day of judgment, but instead we want to be sure we are pleasing God (2 Peter 1:10). We believe that the Holy Scriptures hold God’s instructional path to salvation and Godly living (2 Timothy 3:16). Although we are not saved by our works, God wants and expects our love (Mark 12:30). If we truly love God, then we should follow the instructions God has given unto us (John 14:15).

What exactly should one obey? We should obey the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8 & 1 Peter 4:17); following the example that Jesus Christ left for us. If we walk down the path that Jesus trailblazed for us, we can be reassured that our life’s journey will end in victory, just like it did for Jesus.

What is the gospel?

It is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-8 & Acts 2:29-36).

How do you Obey the Gospel? You must [spiritually]:

Romans 6:1-14 (United with Him in a death like His...being buried with Christ...resurrection like His)

1. Die to your sins (repent- dedicate your life to living God's way) (Acts 2:38)

2. Be Buried in the watery grave of baptism (completely submerged) (Acts 2:38)

3. Raise up in the newness of life (being your life with a clean slate) (Revelation 2:10)

In a nutshell the plan for salvation is:

Hear the Word/Gospel

Romans 10:17, Matthew 7:24

Believe that Jesus the Christ is the Son of God and the Gospel of Christ

Mark 16:15-16, Hebrews 11:6

Sidenote: Some preachers will say that all you must to is believe and you will be saved. Do not be misled by some understandings (2 Timothy 4:2-4 & 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Yes, you must believe to be saved, but that is not ALL you have to do. Even the demons believe and that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-19)...so if ALL you had to do was believe, then they would be saved as well. You must believe and be baptized (Mark 16:15-16). Belief is also the reason why we don’t do pedobaptism.

Repent of all your sins, making the choice to stop doing things your way, but to live God's way

Acts 2:37-38, Acts 17:30-31, Luke 13:1-5

Confess his name before men, that He is the Christ

1 John 4:2-4, 1 John 2:23, Matthew 10:32-33, Acts 8:36-37

Again, do not be misled. Some will preach that ALL you must to is say a sinners prayer and you will be saved. They get that from Scriptures like Romans 10:9-13. But we see that Cornelius in Acts 10:1-48 was a good man, better than some that were saved, but God still send Peter to teach and baptize him and his household. If all he had to do was call on the Lord, then he wouldn't have needed Peter to come. Plus, the obey of the gospel is already established in a few chapters before Chapter 10 (Romans 6).

Be Baptized the forgiveness of your sins

Acts 2:38, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 22:16

Baptism comes from the Greek verb baptō (βάπτω), "dip", from which the verb baptizo is derived. Notice in the baptism example in Acts 8:36-39 they went down into the water (it wasn't sprinkled, but he was immersed in the water). We see the same thing when John the Baptizer baptized Jesus Christ (Mark 1:9-10; Matthew 3:16 Jesus came up from the water).

Based on our exegetical studies of Scripture, we have come to understand that water baptism is a necessary step into relationship (1 Peter 3:20-21).

It is like in marriage where the officiant officially pronounced an engaged couple as man and wife. It is at that point that they are wed, not when they say “I do” or say their vows as they place a ring on their partner’s finger. Baptism is that official decree that propels the couple into now being joined in holy matrimony.

Remain faithful Obey his commandments, read his Word, Study it, and stay away from sin. Remember that Jesus gave the perfect example of living a life that is pleasing to God. Therefore, if we imitate Christ we will receive the same reward of being with The Father for all eternity.

Our prayer is that this is helpful for anyone that is inquiring about salvation and baptism. May God bless you!