Believer's baptism; trinitarian invocation; sign of discipleship to Christ
The Church of God (Anderson) practices believer's baptism administered in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism is understood as an obedient response to Christ's Great Commission and as an act of public confession and commitment. While the Church of God (Anderson) is not dogmatic about the precise formula used, the Trinitarian invocation is essential—baptism is in and into the name (singular, Greek: onoma) of the God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Baptism by immersion is standard practice in the Church of God (Anderson), reflecting the New Testament pattern and the Restoration Movement's commitment to biblical literalism. The act symbolizes death to sin, burial with Christ, and resurrection to new life (Romans 6:3–4). For the Church of God (Anderson), baptism is not a salvific work in itself but an essential ordinance that expresses the believer's faith and commitment to the Lordship of Christ. The formula 'in the name' emphasizes that the baptism is performed under the authority and in the power of the Triune God.
Key Distinctions
- Baptismal formula:
- Baptism mode:
- Baptism recipients:
- believers; not infants
Scripture References
Sources
- Church of God (Anderson) Doctrinal Statement
- Wesleyan-Holiness Practice