Understanding Baptism Under Grace
Why We Don’t Practice Water Baptism?
At In Christ Fellowship, we believe that the Bible calls us to rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). That means recognizing what God is doing today — in this current dispensation of grace — through the ministry and message given to the Apostle Paul.
When a person trusts in Jesus Christ for salvation, they are spiritually baptized by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). This spiritual baptism happens instantly at the moment of salvation and fully identifies the believer with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4; Colossians 2:12).
Paul clearly speaks of “one baptism” for the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:5), and that baptism is spiritual — not ceremonial. In fact, Paul goes so far as to say, “Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 1:17).
Because of this, we believe that in this present dispensation, water baptism is no longer a required or commanded practice. While we respect those who view it differently, we focus on what Paul calls “the preaching of the cross” and the spiritual reality that every believer is complete the moment the Holy Spirit places them “in Christ.” (Colossians 2:10).
We do not reject or diminish what water baptism meant in previous dispensations. But as members of the Body of Christ, we believe the Holy Spirit’s baptism is sufficient — and it’s the only baptism God requires today.
In summary:
We believe the “one baptism” for today is spiritual — not ceremonial — and that it fully unites us with Christ. While many still practice water baptism as a meaningful and sacred tradition, we believe the true beauty is found in the preaching of the cross and the complete spiritual work of Christ. We are placed into His Body by the Holy Spirit — not by ceremony or any outward act — and that is what unites us in grace. This conviction isn’t about drawing lines; it’s about standing on the truth that Christ is enough.