At Edgewood, we believe that you are saved by grace alone, and categorically reject any teaching that requires baptism for salvation. However, we do believe that the Scriptures command every believer to be baptized as soon as they are able after they receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
The Lord commanded His disciples to baptize all disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). In the early church believers observed the Lord’s command by baptizing those who were saved (Acts 8:38, 10:44-48, 16:31-33, 18:8).
Baptism is a public declaration of the believer’s commitment to Christ. The symbolic meaning is explained in Romans 6:1-4 and we believe is best portrayed by immersion. When a person goes under the water, he/she identifies with the death of Christ. To come up out of the water is symbolic of the resurrection of Christ out of death.
Common Questions
Question: “Who should be baptized?”
Answer: Everyone who has received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior should be baptized.
Question: “Why should I be baptized?”
Answer: Because it is a command from Jesus Christ. In His “Great Commission” to the church, Jesus commanded “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Matt. 28:19). In the book of Acts we find numerous accounts of the early church baptizing believers.
Question: “When should I be baptized?”
Answer: Since we at Edgewood want to follow all of the Lord’s commands, we encourage all believers to be baptized at the earliest opportunity.
Question: “Will getting baptized save me?”
Answer: NO! Baptism is a matter of obedience not salvation. We believe the Scriptures teach that baptism is an “outward symbol” of what has already occurred inwardly. The Bible teaches we are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone!
Question: “What do I need to do, before being baptized?”
Answer: Attend the information class offered at Edgewood or speak to an elder or pastor.
