Griggs Church & Baptism
What is Baptism?
Baptism is when a believer is immersed in water before witnesses, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a public proclamation—to God and to God’s people—of faith in Jesus Christ: the crucified, buried, and risen Savior who has forgiven sins and given eternal life.
Going under the water powerfully demonstrates our death to sin and its power, while rising from the water signifies our resurrection to new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-4).
We believe baptism is more than just a symbol, though it certainly symbolizes gospel truth. It is a sacrament, instituted by Jesus in the Great Commission. It is a means through which God gives sanctifying grace—not through the water itself, but through the Holy Spirit working in our obedience to Christ’s command.
Baptism sanctifies the one being baptized by confirming God’s love in their heart and giving them a moment to look back on for strength in future trials. It also sanctifies the church as a whole by proclaiming the gospel and reminding us that it is still at work in the world.
Why Do We Baptize?
We baptize because:
Jesus commanded His followers to do so in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20).
It is an outward, public declaration of inward faith in Christ.
It visibly proclaims the gospel to the watching church and world.
It strengthens and encourages both the believer and the congregation.
We do not believe baptism saves anyone—salvation comes by grace alone, through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
We also do not baptize infants, since baptism is for those who have personally professed faith in Christ.
We baptize once for each believer. If someone was baptized before truly trusting in Christ, we may baptize them again after genuine faith.
Eligibility for Baptism
We baptize those who can clearly articulate their faith in Jesus and demonstrate an understanding of what baptism is and why they desire it.
Our general practice:
Candidates are known to the congregation and have attended for at least 6–8 weeks.
Baptism is typically a prerequisite for church membership.
Willingness to commit to our church community (or partner church) is expected.
We may ask someone to wait if:
They are walking in unrepentant sin.
They are wrestling with significant doubts about core doctrines.
They are unable to explain the meaning and purpose of baptism.
This pause is never out of judgment, but out of love—to ensure baptism is a deeply joyful and meaningful milestone in a believer’s walk with Jesus.
