Methodist Church

The Meaning of Sacraments

We believe the Sacraments, ordained by Christ, are symbols and pledges of the Christian's profession and of God's love toward us. They are avenues of grace by which God works invisibly in us, quickening, strengthening and confirming our faith in him. Two Sacraments are ordained by Christ our Lord, namely Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

The Meaning of Baptism

Baptism is a sacrament and a means of grace. In a sacrament, God uses common elements, in this case water, as means or vehicles of divine grace. Baptism is administered by the church as the Body of Christ. It is the act of God through the grace of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.

 A Wesleyan Distinctive

In the United Methodist Tradition,

It is "through water and the Spirit" that we enter into new spiritual life in relationship to God in Christ. Baptism of an infant powerfully portrays the utter dependence which all of us have on God. The sacrament is the sign of God's promise of ongoing grace, offering continual forgiveness and transformation throughout our lives. We do not receive all of the benefits of baptism at once; this is particularly obvious when infants are baptized. At whatever age it is received, baptism demonstrates our inclusion into the covenant with God and our access to the divine grace that claims, sustains, and saves us.

 What Is Baptism? (Matthew 28:19)

1.  It is a   Means of Grace (spiritual act)

 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." (Mark 1:8)

Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19

 2. Water baptism is a public sign of a covenantal relationship and identification with Christ.

 3.    The sacrament is the sign of God's promise of ongoing grace, offering continual forgiveness and transformation

 The Holy Spirit work within you that being born of water and Spirit You may be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

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, Matthew 28:19

5. Does Baptism mean I've been saved?

Salvation is a lifelong process during which we must continue to respond to God's grace. Baptism offers the promise that the Holy Spirit will always be working in our lives, but salvation requires our acceptance of that grace, trust in Christ, and ongoing growth in holiness as long as we live.

6.   It is a Covenant relationship with God and the church

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. 1 Peter 3

For more information about baptism, or to speak with a church leader, contact the church office 304.375.6386