Baptism
If you read the New Testament, in particular the book of Acts, you will notice that many who received Jesus as Lord and Saviour also received baptism immediately on the same day (e.g., Acts 2:38-41; 8:26-38; 10:47-48; 16:14-15). Furthermore, baptism is often mentioned at the same time with believing in Jesus as Lord and Saviour (Matt 28:18-20). This caused some to understand (incorrectly) that baptism is required for salvation. Such an understanding, or course, is erroneous. A person is saved at the moment he receives Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Thus the thief who believed in Jesus when he was hung on the cross received salvation even though he (obviously) did not have the opportunity to be baptized. Jesus told him: “Today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:41-43; cf. Matt 27:38, 44). Paul says that he did not come to baptize but to preach the gospel. He even says that he is glad he did not baptize most of them in the church of Corinth(1 Cor 1:14-17).
Had baptism been essential for salvation, Paul would have not only preached the gospel but also baptized. But the fact remains that on numerous instances, the bible mentions believing in Jesus and baptism in the same breath. These two come hand in glove. That reveals an important truth: if you are serious about receiving Jesus as Saviour, you must also be baptized. A refusal to be baptized is disobedience to God. If you say Christians must live a holy life, Christian baptism is no less a command. Thus, if you say you are a Christian, you must get baptised. When a Christian lives a life of obedience to God, he will be blessed. In the same way, when a Christian receives baptism, he will receive great blessings too because he obeys God.
Transfer of Membership
Every Christian belongs to the universal church which comprises every Christian in the world. But every Christian must also belong to a local church. Tree of Life Christian Church in Bukit Batok is a local church. A church in Bishan is another local church. Why must you belong to a local church? Paul once wrote to a local church at a place called Corinth which was going through some internal quarrels. He urged them saying: “If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be . . . The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’”(1 Cor 12:17-21). My point is this: God has given every Christian a spiritual gift and placed each of us in a particular local church so that each of us can contribute to the growth of the local church. If any Christian does not contribute his or her gift to that local church, that church will be deficient in some ways, like a body which does not have an eye or ear.
Thus, if you have decided to make Tree of Life Christian Church you spiritual home, you should seriously consider becoming a member and also serve by contributing your area of giftedness. You will be a blessing to the church and the church will be a blessing to you too. But of course, as transfer of membership is a serious matter, you will also need time and space to be sure you want to make this church your spiritual home. But once you are sure, you should transfer your membership.
The Lord will bless you as you take the step of obedience in baptism. Likewise, the Lord will also bless you as you build the local church by serving the Lord faithfully with your spiritual gift which the Holy Spirit has given you.