Beliefs About Baptism
First Friends Church believes that the scripture teaches water baptism is an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual reality. Although no mode of baptism is prescribed in scripture First Friends uses emersion as a living testimony to Christ's death and resurrection, and our death to sin and new life in Christ.

Water Baptism is...

• Not necessary for salvation, which is by faith not works (baptism). Ephesians 2:8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast."
• An outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual work. 1 Peter 3:18-21 "...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. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ..."
• Taught By Christ as a sign of discipleship. Matthew 28:19-20 "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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
• A sign of Repentance. In Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
• Associated with the work of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:11; Acts 19:2-6 "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."
• A symbol of the reality of death to sin (old life) and a resurrected spirit life. Romans 6:1-6 "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection."

Why Be Baptized?

• To make public your identification with Christ in his death and resurrection, and your death to sin and new life in the Spirit.
• Expressing your continued openness to his power for spiritual breakthrough in your life.
• Expressing your continued dependence on his resources for the purpose of releasing your ministry.

First Friends Distinctives

• We do not require water baptism for membership at First Friends.
• We choose to baptize by full emersion symbolizing the death to sin and new life in the Holy Spirit.
• We do require attendance at a baptism class or personal interview before being water baptized.
• We do not practice baptism for infants, or young children, as a rule. Age twelve and above is what we recommend for children.

Water Baptism Services
To inquire about being baptized, and to find out when the next Baptism class and service are scheduled, call the church at 330.966.2800 or email info@firstfriends.org.