What We Believe About Baptism

Who Should Be Baptized

Christians believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the sole basis for the forgiveness of sin. Therefore, salvation occurs only when a person repents and places his or her faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as the sufficient payment for his or her sin.

If Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, then you are ready to be baptized. Just like a bride and groom show others their love for one another by wearing wedding bands, your baptism is your opportunity to show others that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior and are now following Him.

What Baptism Symbolizes

Baptism is a way of showing others that you have entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ. It symbolizes what took place in your heart at the time of salvation:

  • Repentance
  • Acknowledges Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
  • Shared in His death and resurrection, illustrated by going under the water (dead to your old life), then rising again (new life).
  • Were symbolically washed clean, and sins were forgiven by His death on the cross.

Because Jesus instructed us to be baptized, baptism is an act of obedience. While it is not necessary for salvation, it demonstrates submission to God. We immerse at New Harvest Church because we believe Scripture shows that Jesus modeled that for us as the way to publicly acknowledge our faith in Him.

Infant Christening

Some denominations choose to christen infants. While we recognize the right of other churches to practice infant christening, we understand Scripture to teach that only professing believers qualify for baptism. Baptism does not make you a believer; rather it shows that you already believe.

The Baptism Process

The baptism process at New Harvest Church has been designed to be both simple and meaningful. Once you have decided to be baptized, we invite you to attend a class, then write your testimony, and meet with a pastor. We schedule baptisms every other month. You can indicate your desire to be baptized on your InTouch card, or by calling the church office.