Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Steinway
This past Sunday at the 2nd service of Christ Church, we had 7 new baptisms.
Instead of the normal one-at-a-time going through the whole baptismal process, they brought the 7 up front in their baptismal robes. They were introduced to the congregation and answered the questions as a group about their understanding of God and the baptismal process and what it was for. They all answered "Yes" to the questions presented to them.
They then left to go behind the stage to be baptized while the congregation and choir were singing. There was no mic, so you couldn't hear what the preacher was saying. After each person went under water, the congregation would cheer and clap while singing the song.
I know the preacher very well that was doing the baptizing, so I know that they were all baptized in Jesus name.
Is it important that we, as a congregation, know exactly what is being said at baptism?
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Statement of Faith from the Christ Church website
We believe
... in one God, revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
... that our Lord Jesus Christ was begotten, not created, very God of very God, truly God, truly Man. He was born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died a vicarious and atoning death for the sins of the world, was resurrected bodily for our justification, and now reigns in glory until all things be put under His feet.
... in the absolute inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, given by the Holy Spirit without error, as He moved upon holy men of old. Furthermore, ... that the church has no authority to establish doctrine or practice contrary to these same Scriptures, which were subsequently accepted as canon by the early Christian Church.
... that man was made in the image of God and is the crown of creation. He is now, by reason of the fall, spiritually depraved and alienated from His Creator. Apart from God's grace he has no ability to attain to his high calling.
... that justification is by grace through faith in our Lord's sacrifice on Calvary.
... that all of God's people are to be buried with Christ in the waters of baptism, subsequent to conversion. While we freely embrace those of contrary opinion, we feel that this rite is scripturally administered "in the name of the Lord Jesus."
... that the Holy Spirit indwells all believers, conforming them to the image of Jesus Christ.
... that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is an enduement of powers subsequent to conversion, given by God to anoint the believer for sanctification and evangelism. It is our understanding that the supernatural charisms of the Holy Spirit are active within the body of Christ until the coming of the Lord. Furthermore, ... the development of these charismatic gifts ought to be encouraged under the guidance of local church authorities.
... in the Holy Christian Church, imperfectly represented on Earth by the various Christian institutions. Her unity is spiritual, her culture diverse and transitional, her mission eternal.
... that the calling of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher are functional within the Body of Christ until the Lord's return. Furthermore, these ministries are gifts to the church for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of ministry, that the Body of Christ be edified.
... the identity of the Body of Christ on the Earth is primarily perceived through the local church. While encouraging the voluntary association of local churches, and recognizing the need of consensus on matters of fundamental doctrine and conduct, we strongly confess the local church to be sovereign and autonomous.
... in the right of local churches and ministries to form temporal institutions to assist them in carrying out the work of God. At the same time, we reject sectarianism and divisiveness as great evils.
... in the priesthood of the believer. That is to say all people born of God have equal status before, and direct access to their Lord.
... in the spiritual unity of all who are born of God. We confess even those with whom we disagree, those who do not confess us, and others whom we exclude because of our unwillful ignorance.
... that those who are called by the name of Christ should depart from iniquity. Understanding that salvation from the penalty of sin only begins the process of redemption, we acknowledge that one work of the Holy Spirit is to create in us the character of Christ.
... in the literal second coming of our Lord, the literal rule of Christ upon Earth, the resurrection of the regenerate to eternal life and the unregenerate to eternal damnation, and the ultimate victory of the eternal Kingdom of God.
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