Understanding Baptism: What We Believe and Why It Matters

Water is part of our everyday lives. We drink it, cook with it, wash with it, and find refreshment in it. At times, it can be overwhelming to think of floods or storms. But within the life of the church, water carries a far deeper meaning. It becomes a sign of God’s presence, His promises, and His saving work.

From creation, when the Spirit of God hovered over the waters, to the parting of the Red Sea, to Jesus stepping into the Jordan River water has always told the story of God’s power and deliverance. And if you’ve been baptized, water tells your story too.

Common Questions About Baptism

It’s not unusual for believers to wrestle with questions like:

- I was baptized years ago, does it still count?

- I was baptized as a baby. Is that valid?

- I’ve grown so much spiritually. Should I be baptized again?

- My baptism wasn’t dramatic, and I hardly remember it. Does it still count?

The answer, affirmed by Scripture and the historic church, is clear: yes, your baptism counts. Paul writes in Ephesians 4:4–6 that there is 'one baptism.'

Baptism Is God’s Work, Not Ours

The most important truth about baptism is that it is God’s work not ours. In the early church, some worried that if a priest fell away from the faith, their baptism might become invalid. The church responded with confidence: baptism doesn’t rest on the one who performs it, but on the One who promises it.

Think of it like a king’s letter sealed with his signet. The messenger didn’t give the letter its power; the king did. In the same way, baptism is God’s seal upon your life. What God has declared complete doesn’t need to be repeated.

Baptism Unites Us with Christ and His Church

Paul says in Romans 6:3–4 that we are baptized into Christ’s death and raised with Him to new life. Baptism is both personal and communal. It marks our union with Christ and connects us to the family of faith. Whether you were baptized as an infant, child, or adult, if it was done in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, it was real.

A Covenant That Grows Deeper

Marriage offers a helpful picture. A couple doesn’t remarry each time their love deepens; their covenant still stands. In the same way, baptism is a covenant with God that continues to grow as your faith matures. It’s a sign that you belong to Christ and His people. Your growth isn’t a reason to start over; it’s the fruit of what God already planted in you.

What We Believe at Heritage Church

At Heritage Church, we affirm that baptism is a sacrament, an outward sign of God’s inward grace. It is not what saves us, but it points to salvation and symbolizes our cleansing from sin and new life in Christ.

We honor both infant baptism and believer’s baptism, and we recognize immersion, sprinkling, or pouring as valid methods. For families who wish to wait, we also offer baby dedications until a child can choose baptism for themselves.

Most importantly, we acknowledge all Christian baptisms. Because we believe in 'one baptism for the forgiveness of sins,' we do not rebaptize. Instead, we regularly encourage believers to remember their baptism and live in its promise.

Baptism: The Starting Line, Not the Finish Line

In our upgrade-driven culture, it’s tempting to think baptism needs refreshing or repeating. But baptism is not something to reboot—it is the starting line of the Christian life, not the medal at the finish.

This is why many churches hold 'remember your baptism' services, not to do it again, but to reaffirm, recommit, and celebrate the covenant God made with us.

Martin Luther’s Example

When Martin Luther faced despair or temptation, he would touch his forehead and say, 'I am baptized. I belong to Jesus.' That same truth holds for us today. In moments of doubt or struggle, you don’t need to go back to the water you need to remember the promise. You are baptized. You belong to Christ.

Why Baptize in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

Some wonder about the difference between being baptized 'in the name of Jesus Christ' (Acts 2:38) and 'in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit' (Matthew 28:19).

At Pentecost, Peter was calling people to put their faith in Christ alone. He wasn’t prescribing a formula but emphasizing allegiance to the crucified and risen Lord.

Jesus Himself, however, commanded baptism in the Trinitarian name. The two are not in conflict: one explains why we are baptized (because of Jesus), the other explains how (in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

From the earliest days of the church, baptism has been practiced in the Trinitarian formula, and we continue in that tradition today.

Life Application

When baptismal water touched your head, God marked you as His own. That promise is unshakable. This week, when you face temptation or doubt, remind yourself:

'I’ve been baptized. I belong to Jesus.'

If you’ve never been baptized and are ready to take that step, talk with a pastor or church leader. Baptism is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a life lived in Christ.

Reflection Questions

- How does remembering my baptism strengthen my identity as a child of God?

- In what ways am I living out the meaning of my baptism each day?

- When I face struggles, do I recall that I belong to Christ?

- How can I help others discover the significance of baptism in their own faith?

Remember this: You’ve been baptized. You belong to Jesus. Live in that truth every single day.

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