“Theologically distinct (yet practically inseparable) from baptism of the Holy Spirit, water baptism is directly related to receiving and believing the Gospel, repenting, being forgiven, cleansed, and saved from a life of sin, calling on, confessing, and converting to Christ, making a public pledge of covenant commitment and incorporation into the visible expression of the Body of Christ, and commencing a life of discipleship” ~ Michael Svigel
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Baptism as a |
description |
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sign |
water baptism is the exclusive means by which a person confesses faith in the Triune God and commitment to the Church |
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seal |
it is the Church’s official confirmation of a believer’s faith, initiating him or her into a covenant relationship with the Church |
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symbol |
it pictures the believer’s new birth through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ |
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sacrament |
it brings spiritual blessing and strength to the believer by the work of the Holy Spirit |