Water Baptism Service at Abundant Harvest Church
What is Water Baptism:
Baptism is not salvation; it is conducted subsequent to receiving Christ as your Savior (repentance). Water baptism is an outward symbol of an inward and spiritual reality – a new life in Christ Jesus. Candidates should be an established member at a local church and demonstrate their commitment to regular worship attendance. Baptism symbolizes the salvation experience including repentance, conversion and commitment. The concept of reasonable service (Romans 12:1) emphasizes the surrender of your body, soul and spirit to the Lord and prioritizing God’s will above our own. Baptism is a significant and meaningful part of the worship experience with rich symbolism and public declaration. Therefore, worship in the form of baptism is not just a ritual, but rather a serious, heartfelt transformative response to God’s salvation and grace, his unmerited love towards us.
What is Salvation?
Salvation ("saved") is the results when a sinner repents & is reconciled to their rightful relationship (divine favor/communion) with God. The redemptive operation of the Holy Ghost for a sinner is brought about by repentance toward God & faith in our Lord Jesus Christ which brings conversion, faith, justification, regeneration, sanctification, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
God does the "work", but YOU must yield to him.
- Repentance is the work of God, which results in a change of mind in respect to man's relationship to God - the turning away from sin. (St. Matthew 3:1-2, 4:17; Acts 20:21).
- Faith is a certain conviction wrought in the heart of man by the Holy Spirit, as to the truth of the Gospel and a "heart" trust (not just intellectual or emotional) in the promises of God in Christ (Romans 1:17, 3:28; St. Matthew 9:22; Acts 26:18).
- Conversion is that act of God whereby He causes the regenerated sinner, in his conscious life, to turn to Him in repentance and faith (II Kings 5:15; II Chronicles 33:12-13; St. Luke 19:8, 9; Acts 8:30).
- Regeneration/Justification is that act of God by which the principle of the new life is implanted in man, and the righteousness of Jesus is imparted to the soul. A person is changed from a state of sin (injustice) to the state of grace (justice)
- Sanctification is that gracious and continuous operation of the Holy Ghost, by which He delivers the justified sinner from the pollution of sin, renews his whole nature in the image of God and enables him to perform good works through Christ. (Romans 6:4;5:6; Colossians 2:12; 3:1).
- Commitment can be defined as consistency in your actions and aligning your actions with the will and purpose of the Lord. (Prov 16:3, Matt 22:37,38 and Luke 9:23,24)
Prayer for Salvation:
God, today I want the gift of eternal life that you have promised in your Word (Bible). Right now I believe in my heart, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is the Son of God, that he died for my sins and arose again for my justification. Jesus is now Lord over my life. Thank you, God, for FORGIVING me! I now confess that I am SAVED! In Jesus' Name I pray, AMEN. If you sincerely prayed this prayer, your sins are forgiven. You are saved. You are spiritually BORN AGAIN and ready to be baptized!
CUSTOMARY PREPARATION:
Please bring with you the following clothing, appropriate for baptism:
- WOMEN: Dark loose clothing and concealing under clothing (to avoid see-through when wet)
- MEN: Dark-colored t-shirt and light weight dark Pants (avoid jeans, if possible, they hold more water)
ADDITIONALLY:
Bring 2-3 extra towels for drying off and water shoes if you have them. We will provide you with a white robe.
Wear your regular clothing to church and there will be an appropriate time for you to change into your baptism clothing. Remember you will need additional under-clothing – everything will be wet.
If you are assisting with baptism, please bring similar clothing (color and style) and towels. Be prepared to change clothes following baptism as you may wet depending on your area of participation in the service.
For any questions, please ask the Pastor or contact Sister Maria Holmes (734-341-7658)
