Salvation

What are we saved from? In the Christian doctrine of salvation, we are saved from “wrath,” that is, from God’s judgment of sin (Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:9). Our sin has separated us from God, and the consequence of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Biblical salvation refers to our deliverance from the consequence of sin and therefore involves the removal of sin.

Who does the saving? Only God can remove sin and deliver us from sin’s penalty (2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5).

How does God save? In the Christian doctrine of salvation, God has rescued us through Christ (John 3:17). Specifically, it was Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection that achieved our salvation (Romans 5:10; Ephesians 1:7). Scripture is clear that salvation is the gracious, undeserved gift of God (Ephesians 2:5, 8) and is only available through faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).

How do we receive salvation? We are saved by faith. First, we must hear the gospel—the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Ephesians 1:13). Then, we must believe—fully trust the Lord Jesus (Romans 1:16). This involves repentance, a changing of mind about sin and Christ (Acts 3:19), and calling on the name of the Lord (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

A definition of the Christian doctrine of salvation would be “The deliverance, by the grace of God, from eternal punishment for sin which is granted to those who accept by faith God’s conditions of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus.” Salvation is available in Jesus alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12) and is dependent on God alone for provision, assurance, and security.

If you would like to start your faith journey, trust in Jesus as Savior & Lord, or find out more, email Pastor Logan at pastorloganloveday@gmail.com.

Baptism

Baptism involves a new disciple of Jesus being immersed in water as a public declaration of a relationship with Jesus. When the person is lowered into the water, it symbolizes his or her spiritual death to sin through Jesus’ sacrifice. And when the person is raised out of the water, it symbolizes his or her resurrection through Jesus as a new creation and a member of the church. For more info download this short document:

If you recently started a relationship with Jesus or have never been baptized, please contact Pastor Logan to discuss your opportunity. To connect with Pastor Logan for more info on baptism please contact him here.

Baby Dedication

Child dedication is a symbolic ceremony undertaken by Christian parents soon after the birth of a child. The rite is intended to be a public statement by the parents that they will train their children in the Christian faith and seek to instill that faith in them. The congregation often responds through responsive reading or some other method to affirm that they, as a church family, will also seek to encourage the parents to bring up the child in the faith. There is no implied salvation in the ceremony.

The idea of dedicating a child to the Lord can certainly be found in the Bible. Hannah was a barren wife who promised to dedicate her child to God if He would give her a son (1 Samuel 1:11). Luke 2:22 begins the account of Mary and Joseph taking Jesus to the temple after forty days in order to dedicate Him to the Lord. This was slightly more involved since it involved a sacrifice, but once again this ceremony did not indicate any level of salvation.

Child / baby dedication is not one of the two ordinances—baptism and the Lord’s Supper—
required of Christians in the New Testament. As Christians, we are baptized and participate
in the Lord’s Supper as outward and public signs of what Christ has done within us. While
baby dedication is not an officially instituted ordinance of the church, there does not seem
to be any conflict with Scripture as long as parents do not view it as assuring the salvation of the child.

If you’d like to arrange a child dedication, please contact Pastor Ramiah to discuss your opportunity. To connect with Pastor Ramiah for more info please contact him by emailing pastorramiah.fbc@gmail.com.

Become a Covenant Member

We believe being a committed part of a local church matters. God’s Word calls us to, the Christian life can’t be lived in isolation, and we fulfill the mission of God together. We need each other and we better show and share the love of Jesus when we are united. We want to see a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, life-giving, faith-family flourish in Marlboro and beyond. We believe in covenanting ourselves with one another to care for, hold each other accountable, and use our gifts together for the glory of God. Will you be a part? Consider making FBC HOME!

Click this link for info & a downloadable membership covenant: