Baptism: An Outward Expression of an Inward Reality
Baptism is not a means of salvation; instead, baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality...it is an opportunity for the believer to identify himself/herself with Christ and to profess his/her salvation (Rom. 10:9). Jesus calls all of His followers to be baptized (Matt. 28:18 - 20). As such, we do not believe in or practice infant baptism; however, we do have dedication ceremonies for children born to believers.
At Nehemiah Bible Church, we practice open baptism. In other words, one need not be intending to become a member of Nehemiah in order to be baptized.
According to our bylaws,
- We believe a local church is a body of professing, baptized believers organized in one locality, with Biblical officers of elders and deacons, which assembles for the purpose of glorifying God through the observation of the Biblical ordinances, worship, instruction, and Gospel service. (Matthew 18:15‑17; I Corinthians 1:2; I Timothy 3:1‑5)
- We believe that the local church is committed to observe two ordinances: baptism and the communion of the Lord’s Table.
- We believe that the meaning of baptism is best pictured (where physically possible) by the immersion of the believer in water; that it is a testimony of the believer’s identification by faith with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection . (Acts 2:41,42, 8:36‑39; Matthew 28:19‑20)