The writers of scripture teach that Jesus Christ's death on the cross paid the full price for our sin. We believe Jesus' resurrection showed His victory over the power of sin and death. Therefore, forgiveness of sin and our salvation occur only when a person places his or her faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus as the sufficient payment for his or her sin. We believe baptism publicly illustrates what has already taken place in a person's heart when they put their faith in Jesus. It is a way of showing others you have entered into a relationship with Him. It tells the world you have:

• Trusted Jesus Christ as your forgiver and leader.
• Publicly declared your new association with Jesus; someone different than you followed before.
• Identified with Jesus in His death and resurrection, illustrated by going under the water (dead to your old life), then rising again (new life). It is a symbolic grave that we descend into and arise from.
• Been washed clean of your sins and forgiven by Jesus' death on the cross.
• Connected yourself to the community of faith called the Church.

It's important to understand that baptism does not "save" you. You are "saved" only by faith in Jesus. Baptism is a demonstration that you already are "saved" and are a follower of Christ. It is evidence of salvation, not a requirement for salvation. A Christ-follower, then, is one who is trusting in or depending upon the work of Jesus alone for his or her salvation.

Because Jesus instructed his followers to be baptized, baptism is also an act of obedience. If you have put your faith in Jesus, by asking him to be the forgiver of your sins and the leader of your life, then you are a follower of Christ and ready to be baptized! Just like a bride and groom show their devotion for one another by wearing wedding bands, your baptism is your opportunity to show others you are now a follower of Jesus Christ!

There is no reason to delay! As soon as you have put your faith in Jesus you can, and should, be baptized. If you're waiting until you're perfect, you'll never be ready. If you have have not yet put your faith in Jesus, by asking him to be the forgiver of your sins, and leader of your life, but are ready to, or if you have any questions about how to begin a personal relationship with Jesus, we would love to help you take that first step. Just contact via the button below.

At Grace, our baptism process has been designed to be both simple and meaningful. If you think that baptism may be the next step for you, simply begin by registering for the next baptism date available and someone from our team will contact you to begin the process and answer any questions you may have. If you have further questions and would like to talk to someone before registering, simply email us via the button below.

Some denominations choose to baptize (christen) infants. While we recognize the right of other churches to practice infant baptism, we understand the writers of scripture to teach that only believers in Jesus Christ are to be baptized. Baptism does not make you a believer; it simply shows you already believe.

At Grace, we commission parents to disciple their children. This is an opportunity for parents to make a public commitment before God, the church, and their family expressing a desire to raise their children to follow God and love others. We do Parent Commissioning during Sunday Services several times a year. New parent commissioning classes are currently in development and more information will be available soon!