Baptism & the Lord's Supper

Christian Baptism

Confessional Text

Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit[129]. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, as well as the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and their resurrection to walk in newness of life[130]. It is a happy testimony of the believer's faith in the final resurrection of the dead, and under ordinary circumstances, it is a prerequisite to the privilege the Lord's Supper[131].

Scriptural References

[1]

Matthew 28:18-20

Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

[2]

Romans 6:4

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death

[3]

Acts 2:1-42

Then those who gladly received his word were baptized

All scripture quotations are from the ESV (English Standard Version).

Historical & Theological Background

Baptists and other believers' baptism traditions have consistently taught that baptism is for believers only, not infants, and that the mode should be immersion, not sprinkling. Baptism follows salvation; it does not cause it. It is an outward sign of an inward reality—union with Christ in His death and resurrection. The New Testament pattern is belief, then baptism, then church membership. Baptism is the believer's public profession of faith.

African Contextual Commentary

Many African Christians were baptized as infants in mission-established churches, but infant baptism lacks New Testament warrant. This statement affirms believers' baptism: those who consciously trust Christ should be baptized by immersion as a testimony to their faith. Baptism does not save, nor does it remove curses or provide spiritual protection (as some African traditions might suggest). It is a public declaration of allegiance to Christ. African believers who were baptized as infants should consider believers' baptism upon conversion. Additionally, baptism is the entry point to church membership, not merely a personal milestone—it incorporates believers into the visible church community.