Water baptism is a public, outward testimony that indicates a personal, inward faith. It gives evidence of the inner change that has already occurred in the believer’s life when he or she was “born again” through faith in Jesus Christ.
At Rockland, we have 3 or 4 water baptisms a year during our worship services. In order to understand why we baptize and the meaning and purpose of baptism, we offer a preparation class three weeks before the baptism service. We believe that water baptism is not a personal choice, but a command for all who have put their faith in Christ as their Savior. Jesus established water baptism as an ordinance when He gave the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19; Mk. 16:16).
Baptism identifies the believer with the message of the gospel, the person of Jesus Christ, and other believers. It associates the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and signifies the believer’s death to the old life and his or her resurrection as a new creation in Christ (Rom.6:1–8; Col. 2:12).
If you are interested in being baptized or learning more about it, contact Pastor Paul at plucks@rockland.church.