Baptism
Baptism is one of two sacraments observed by Christ’s Church of the Hills. (the other is communion). For both children and adults, baptism is the sign and seal that God loves us long before we can love God. Baptism is a proclamation and experience of the fact that we are who we are because God has first chosen us and loved us and called us into God’s kingdom.
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To the question, “Who am I?” baptism responds, “I am the one who is called, washed, named, promised, and commissioned by God through Christ." Each time an infant is baptized, we are reminded that God’s love claims people before they are able to respond in faith. Regardless of the age, every baptism marks the beginning of new life through Jesus Christ.
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Baptism does not change our relationship with God. Rather it recognizes and proclaims what is already a fact – we are God’s children. It is to be motivated neither by superstition nor social custom but by faith. It is not a private act of pastor and family, but a public act of the congregation who make promises to the person baptized. Therefore, it is administered in the presence of the worshiping congregation, except in very special cases.
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Baptism unites the people of God with each other and with the church of every time and place. Barriers of race, gender, status, and age are to be transcended. Barriers of nationality, history, and practice are to be overcome. There is no need to be re-baptized in the Presbyterian Church.
