BAPTISM

Here at Calvary Chapel Greer, we believe that water baptism is a clear picture of what Jesus has done for us, illustrating Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

We believe that you Identify with Jesus’ death as you walk into the water, saying that you are now dying to the old life of sin. Identify with Jesus’ burial as you go down into the water, saying that the old You with your worldly passions and desires is dead; But, you don’t stay dead, you come out of the water to- Identify with Jesus’ resurrection! You are saying that you are now going to live and walk in newness of life. You are no longer dominated by sin’s power but have total confidence in the Holy Spirit’s power to give you victory over sin & to fulfill your calling!

At Calvary Chapel Greer we believe that baptism is not necessary for salvation. We believe salvation comes ONLY through Jesus, by His grace through faith in Him. Baptism is simply taking the next step in your faith and fulfilling the example first set by Jesus. Following His example, you are being obedient by publicly acknowledging and declaring the decision you have made to follow Christ!

3 foundational things that we as a Calvary Chapel affiliate Church believe the scriptures teach regarding baptism;

#1, We believe the scriptures teach “Believers Baptism”:

As you study the book of Acts you find that each person who was baptized chose to be baptized after deciding to be saved by receiving forgiveness of their sins through faith in Jesus. For this reason, we don’t practice infant baptism or children who can’t yet give a simple explanation of their saving faith in Jesus.

#2, We don’t believe the scriptures teach “Baptismal Regeneration”:

Which is a theological term that means a person is only saved once they’ve been baptized. The Bible teaches that the forgiveness of sins comes through confession of sin & faith in Jesus.

+Romans 10:9-10 “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.”

+Ephesians 2:8-9 also states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

3, We believe the scriptures teach “Full Immersion” as the method for baptism:

We’re not dogmatic about this and we don’t want anyone to feel insecure if your “Believers baptism” was performed in another manner. However, we believe that the Bible teaches baptism as highly symbolic, and without full immersion the visual symbolism loses some of its meaning.

CCG Baptism Sermon video links;

A biblical look at baptism:

https://youtu.be/FJ3z9c-FgsU?si=qt-50wHWngWOgnrC

Part 2: expect the unexpected:

https://youtu.be/rwIdE28gOmc?si=7mpKJCikSD0i9JVl