Baptisms and Transfers – 16 March 2025

We baptised and welcomed three new members by baptism at our 16 March service — Julie Ong, Tan Yang Jie and Seth Wong. Members of GBC had voted to receive them and three others — Rony Ang, Belinda Liaw and Rebecca Tan — by transfer at the Members’ Meeting on 9 March.

Like the Lord’s Supper, baptism is instituted by Jesus for all believers who have repented of their sins and placed their trust in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Pastor Thian Chye reminded us that baptism itself does not save, but is a declaration of faith in the saving work of Christ and is in obedience to the Lord’s commands. As Colossians 2:12 teaches us, we are buried with Christ when we are immersed in the water in baptism, and are raised to new life in Christ too.

Julie has been attending GBC for the past 15 months and shared how she has repented of her sins, placed her faith in Christ and now lives by faith in Him:

I finally understood the gospel: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for my sins and rose again to give me new life. As John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” I repented of my sins and placed my faith in Christ alone for salvation. His sacrifice on the cross brought me forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

Since then, my life has been a journey of sanctification, as I learn to die to myself daily and live for Christ. I now desire to be baptized as a believer, understanding baptism as a symbol of dying with Christ and being raised to new life, as Romans 6:4 says: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death... we too may live a new life.” The gospel has transformed me, giving me peace, hope, and the strength to obey and follow Lord Jesus in all that I do.

Seth has been blessed by the church, the CG that he is now in, and ultimately by the word of God. He shared how reading the word with brothers at GBC convicted him of his sins and showed him his need for the gospel:

When I came to GBC, a few faithful brothers journeyed with me as we studied Genesis again. Through months of rediscovering God’s Word, He convicted me of my pride and self-reliance. I finally understood that Christ, who was sinless, came to dwell among us, was crucified for our sins, and rose again on the third day (1 Cor 15:3-4). No effort of mine could save me — only Jesus’ perfect sacrifice. By His blood, I am fully atoned for, and by His grace, I am adopted as His child.

The gospel has completely changed my life. Instead of striving for my own salvation, I now live with a new desire — to pursue truth and follow Jesus. My faith is no longer based on my works but on Christ alone. I am learning to walk in humility, trust in His sovereignty, and grow in fellowship with His people. As Philippians 1:6 reminds me, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Finally, Yang Jie shared about how God drew him to Himself:

I began to understand how by the grace of God, that through faith in Jesus Christ, my sins are no longer counted against me. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 6:23). Jesus gave Himself up, paying the price that I had to in order that I may die to my sins and live to righteousness (1 Pet 2:24). I do not need to do anything to earn my salvation, but to repent and wholly trust in His finished work on the cross (Eph 2:8-9). My once broken relationship with God is now fully restored and I now enjoy peace and fellowship with Him. And unlike in the past, I have found a true hope that can never be taken away from me. God has given me a new heart, such that the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (Gal 2:20).

Looking back, it was not by any chance but God’s hand at work and His faithfulness that brought me back to Him. Even during the years that I had backslid, He had placed brothers and sisters (though I was oblivious at that time) in my life to pray for me and to point me back to Christ. The seeds of the gospel had been sowed over the years, and in due season, God caused it to grow and bear fruit. Praise be to God forever and ever. Amen!

Our new members (from left to right), Rebecca, Seth, Yang Jie, Julie, Glen, Belinda and Rony.

At the end of the service, all the new members — both by baptism and transfer — were presented to and welcomed by the congregation. GBC members also warmly welcomed them after the service, with many stopping to shake their hands and even to chat with them!

Members, if you’d like a copy of the testimonies or wish to stay connected with other members, you may request a copy of our Members’ Directory from the church office, either in person, or by writing to info@gracebaptistchurch.sg.

If God has used these baptisms and transfers to prompt you to find out more about membership at GBC, you can also write to us at info@gracebaptistchurch.sg. Our next membership class will be on 12 April 2025.

If you are interested to find out more about this God that they speak about, feel free to reach out to our pastors, elders or your care group leaders! We'd love to chat and share more.