November 4, 2007

Baptism by immersion in water is an important doctrine and practice for God's church. Water baptism is significant because it is a commandment of Jesus—it serves as a picture of our salvation—and because it is a sign of the new covenant that God established through Jesus. Baptism is appropriate for all who have come to faith in Christ and are able to confess that faith, whether they are converted adults or children who have conscious faith in Christ. Baptism is a sign of new birth and not of maturity, so it is right for new believers to seek baptism promptly. The timing of baptism will naturally be uncertain for children, but parents are encouraged to faithfully work to ensure their children understand the gospel. Baptism is appropriate as soon as children are able to articulate the gospel and their personal faith in Jesus.