What is baptism?

Baptism is a sign and seal of God's promise of grace with us and our children. Baptism is a sign and assurance that we are cleansed in Christ's blood, buried with him unto death, that we might rise with him and walk in newness of life. In the Reformed Church, we celebrate baptism during worship as a congregation of God's people because the congregation commits itself to the spiritual nurture of the infant, child, or adult being baptized. The journey of faith that begins in individual baptism continues in the church community. In baptism, we as a congregation and as individuals remember we belong to God and experience renewal.

What happens during baptism?

In baptism God promises by grace alone
to forgive our sins;
to adopt us into the Body of Christ, the church;
to send the Holy Spirit daily to renew and cleanse us;
and to resurrect us to eternal life.

Through baptism Christ calls us to new obedience,
to love and trust God completely;
to forsake the evil of the world;
and to live a new and holy life.

How does the Reformed Church practice baptism?

The Reformed Church baptizes infants as well as older children and adults. Recognizing the symbolic cleansing and refreshing characteristics of water, the RCA affirms sprinkling, immersion, and pouring as methods of baptism.