ENGAGE

BAPTISM CELEBRATION

Several time each year, we celebrate publicly the decision that our friends have made to follow Christ with a Baptism Celebration. The pictures tell the story of the excitement and emotions of this life-changing event.

At The Edge, we believe that baptism illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.

“ For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” Col. 2:12 GNT. Baptism doesn’t make you a believer—it shows you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you; only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring; it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.

Why be baptized by immersion?

Jesus was baptized that way. (Matt. 3:16) Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion. (Acts 8:38-39) The Greek word baptize means “to immerse or dip under water.” It best symbolized a burial and resurrection.

Who should be baptized?

Every person who has believed in Christ. “ But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news...and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men andwomen.” Acts 8:12 NIV. At The Edge, we wait until children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

We do have a Baby Dedication for very young children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of

the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make their own personal confession of Christ.

This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your

personal commitment to Christ.

When should I be baptized?

As soon as you have believed. “Those who believed...were baptized...that day.” Acts 2:41 There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect”, you’ll never feel good enough.

Please let us know if you would like to be Baptised at our next Baptism Celebration, by emailing Mandi Presley at mandi@theedgechurch.org.