What we Believe at HBC concerning Believers Baptism
The Scriptures teach us that there is only one Baptism (Ephesians 4:5) for those who have received Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour i.e. true believers.
Baptism is a command of our Lord Jesus to all who would follow Him as a true disciple. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Jesus Himself was baptized by John the Baptist in order to fulfil all righteousness (Matthew 3:15). There are numerous other instances in Scripture where believers are baptized in the Early Church for example
Acts 2:41 and Acts 8:26-40.
The act of baptism in water, by full immersion, is according to the Scriptures: Acts 8:38 and is a demonstration of the spirtitual reality which happens when a person receives Christ astheir personal Lord and saviour as outlined by the apostle, Paul in Romans 6:1-4.
Baptism also speaks of initiation into the body of Christ (Gal 3:27) and also of identification with the church (Eph 4:3-6)
While Baptism cannot be a prerequisite for Salvation (Ephesians 2:8,9), it does however demonstrate the true believer's obedience as a disciple who is willing to acknowledge Christ publicly.