Baptism is about Jesus

Vicariously, Jesus was the God / Man who was
baptized on behalf of all humanity.

Greg Williams, GCI President
Steele Creek, NC, US

As part of our commitment to faithful pastoral care, baptism is approached not as an isolated moment, but as the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship and ongoing participation in the life of the Church.

We have been working diligently with our group of writers and editors to update our GCI scripts and guidelines for ceremonies and worship events. (Read my full introduction to this updated resource in this issue.) It has been a massive undertaking but good work that will be a blessing to our fellowship.

The two primary rituals that Jesus commanded for the New Testament church are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Communion). These two rehearse the fundamental elements to the Christian faith. These two practices point us to Jesus and keep us centered in him.

… and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” I Corinthians 11:24–25 NRSVA

Paul said this while instructing the church at Corinth. Each time a person takes the bread and cup, Jesus is memorialized and the deep intimate connection to Father, Son, and Spirit is experienced in this sacrament.

When we turn our thoughts toward baptism, we can mistakenly turn our thoughts inward. We may first consider the person who has come to faith and his or her desire to demonstrate that belief in the public expression of a baptism service. We need reminding that baptism is foremost about Jesus before it is about a repentant sinner.

The following excerpt is taken from the excellent article written by Dr. Joseph Tkach.

… don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. Romans 6:3–5 NIV

Baptism pictures our union with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. These are the primary points of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Our salvation depends on his life, death, and resurrection. Our forgiveness — being cleansed of sin — depends on him; our Christian life and future depend on him.

Baptism focuses us on what Jesus did for the salvation of humanity. Vicariously, Jesus was the God / Man who was baptized on behalf of all humanity. So, when a person steps into the waters of baptism he or she is responding to what Jesus has already done. It is the person’s response of “yes” to the “yes” that Jesus has already accomplished.

Baptism is not a ceremonial welcoming into Grace Communion International (nor any other sect or denomination). Rather it is a baptism into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, signifying union with the triune God.

Some may refer to “believer’s baptism.” But this terminology creates a misleading distinction since there is no such thing as “unbeliever’s baptism.” Our theological understanding is that baptism is about Jesus and his initiating act of grace on behalf of all humanity, regardless of age. This may include the baptism of infants. (See the updated Pastoral Liturgical Guide for more detailed information and guidance).

It is also crucial that for any who are baptized and participating in the life of our church that we actively come alongside and help that new believer to grow in his or her walk with Jesus and grow in the fellowship of other believers. This is an important value GCI holds. Considering age-appropriate methods is the work of the pastor and the Faith Avenue team and remembering to include the parents and congregants about the roles they play. This is particularly true when baptizing infants.

As part of faithful preparation for baptism, pastors provide baptismal counseling. For adults, this includes guided conversation about the gospel, union with Christ, and life in the Spirit. For infants and children, baptismal counseling intentionally includes parents and sponsors, helping them understand their role in bearing witness to the gospel, modeling faith, and supporting the child’s ongoing formation within the life of the Church.

It’s important to understand that there is one baptism that pictures our union in Christ in his life, death, and resurrection. GCI seeks to be a good steward of the sacraments and to faithfully guide the people we serve to the ceremonies instituted by Jesus that dynamically join humans to the living God of the universe.

Summary: Baptism is about Jesus.

• • Baptism centers on Jesus’ saving work through his life, death, and resurrection, not on human effort or performance.
  • Baptism is a response to Jesus’ prior and gracious “yes” on behalf of all humanity.
  • Baptism is communal in nature, expressing not only individual faith but the shared “we believe” of the church.
  • In the baptism of infants, parents, sponsors, and the congregation commit to nurture faith and discipleship together.
  • Baptismal counseling prepares candidates, parents, and sponsors to participate faithfully in the ongoing life of Christ and his Church.