"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20
At Peace, we baptize new adult believers, who have joined the church as members and the children of believers who are church members.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism Q 94 defines Baptism this way:
Q: What is Baptism?
A: Baptism is the sacrament of solemn admission into the church on earth in which the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, signifies and seals our being grafted into Christ, and having a share in the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our pledge to be the Lord’s.
The Heidelberg Catechism Q. 69 gives this helpful insight:
Q: How does holy baptism signify and seal to you that the one sacrifice of Christ on the cross benefits you?
A: In this way: Christ instituted this outward washing and with it gave the promise that, as surely as water washes away the dirt from the body, so certainly his blood and Spirit wash away the impurity of my soul, that is, all my sins.
Westminster Shorter Catechism Q 95 explains:
Q: To whom is Baptism to be administered?
A: Baptism is not to be administered to any outside membership of the church on earth, until they profess their faith in Christ and obedience to him; but infants descending from parents (one or both) professing faith in Christ and obedience to him, are, for that reason, within the covenant and are to be baptized.