Baptism

Chris spoke on the biblical concept of Baptism. In Acts 2:37-38, Chris drew two issues from the passage. The first: Whether or not baptism is the cause of the forgiveness of our sins. He would say that Jesus is the reason for the forgiveness of our sins. The second issue is when Peter says “in the name of Christ”. Chris asked the question if baptism is meant to be a formula. Northgate believes that it is not meant to be seen as a formula. It is important to note that it is our conviction that we would say “in the name of father, son, and holy spirit” just as Jesus did in Matthew 28. However, this is not meant to be a formula either. It was here that he first illustrated the relationship that baptism has to marriage. He gave the example of his own wedding, in addition to a friend of his. Where the ceremony and paperwork didn't go as planned. He questioned if that meant both he and his friend weren’t technically married. The significance of marriage is in the ceremony, not what is said or forgotten to be said. He also claimed that although baptism isn’t necessary for the forgiveness of our sins it doesn’t mean it is optional. Baptism is a way for us to say “yes” to Jesus’s hand in marriage. Diving into the water represents the tombstone, or dying to your old self. When we are raised from the water it is the birth certificate to your new self.