Baptism
Baptism
Christian baptism is properly done in two steps, first by immersion in water and then followed by spiritual "immersion" by the laying on of hands. This second step is sometimes called "Baptism by fire", the fire referring to the Holy Spirit. It is the covenantal demonstration by two parties (God and the candidate) who both understand and agree to the terms of the new life upon which the candidate is embarking. A binding and eternally meaningful declaration must be carried out by properly authorized agents of God. You would not expect just anyone on the street to be able to write for you a binding insurance policy. He would have to be a valid representative of the underwriting company. Otherwise, the policy would not be honored. Likewise, the ministers doing the baptizing must be among those whom God has taken steps to authenticate properly so they can represent Him. For that reason, members of the Remnant Church recognize only previous baptisms done by authorized ministers in the Restoration environment.
Water baptism is a symbolic acknowledgment that our previous lives of sometimes sinful and worldly behaviors and thoughts are being washed away and willingly discarded. In this way, we can spiritually start life anew.
Spiritual baptism under the hands of authorized elders signifies our willingness to receive and use God's Holy Spirit as our guide.
These two parts of the baptismal experience are closely related to each other and are often thought of as one experience. God will honor the terms of our baptismal covenant with Him so long as we continue to abide them also. Consequently, it is extremely important to protect the fidelity of that covenant throughout the remainder of our live. We will need to rely heavily on that covenant, typically made so many years earlier, as we stand before God's judgment seat to receive His assessment of our life's works and worth.