Baptisms
About Baptism
Baptism is a public declaration of one’s devotion to Jesus Christ. We hold baptism service celebrations a few times per year. In the weeks leading up to the baptism, an elder will meet with you to talk about what Baptism means and sort through any questions or concerns you might have.
Interested? Let us know below!
Baptism FAQ & Policy
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Baptism is an important moment for any believer in Jesus Christ. In Acts 2:38, Peter calls people to “repent and be baptized.” In Mark 16:16, Jesus says “whoever believes and is baptized shall be saved.” The scriptures speak of baptism as something significant that coincides with the faith that people put in Jesus. If you have not publicly declared your faith through baptism, we encourage you to consider being baptized.
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The elders of Groton Bible Chapel realize that every child is different, with widely varying levels of spiritual wisdom and discernment, along with widely varying environments in which they might grow up in. Young children desiring to be baptized should be able to demonstrate and comprehend their salvation, without coaching or coaxing from an adult.
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We are saved by grace through faith, so that no one can boast. We do not believe that any individual act can “earn” salvation. Even in Mark 16:16 where Jesus calls people to believe and be baptized, he makes it clear that those “who do not believe” are the ones who will not be saved. So we do not take baptism as being salvific.
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We believe the Bible reserves baptism for those who are able to outwardly declare their faith, and take that from the examples in scripture listed above. We do have regular services each year where we dedicate children to God before the church and commit to parents to love and support them and their children as they raise their kids in the church.