Sor- significant practice Baptism

Significant Practice VS Significance of the practice

Significant practice refers to an action that holds deep meaning and importance within a particular belief system

The significance of the practice encompasses the broader impact and understanding of its role in spiritual life and community tradition.

Baptism meaning, who, and what

“baptism” are derived from a Greek root “baptisr” which means “to immerse” or “to wash”.

Not all churches baptise and those who do, do it differently due to difference in baptism belief

Baptism is an expression of faith in this one God.

Significants of baptism

Baptism is a Christian rite of admission and adoption, with the use of water. A public declaration: Baptism declares that you are a follower of Jesus Christ.

Trium Formula 

Trium Formula, as knowing as The Great Commissioning is used for Invoking the Father, Son & Holy Spirit, particularly in Baptism. The exact words spoken during a baptism: "I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." (Matt. 28:19).

What is needed for a valid baptism?

• For a sacrament to be valid, three things have to be present: 

• the correct form

• the correct matter, and;

• the correct intention. 

Baptism biblical origins

Just as Jesus was baptised, the earliest Christians used this ritual as the official entry into the faith; because most early converts were adults whose families followed their lead, adult baptism was initially the most common form, which naturally opened the door for children and babies to be baptised too.

Forms of baptism

• Aspersion: simple sprinkling of water over the head (paedo-baptism)

• Affusion: this describes the more extensive pouring of water over the head.  (paedo-baptism)

• Immersion: this involves the complete lowering of the entire body into a pool of water. Most often full immersion for adults (called credo-baptism) as the person being baptised makes the decision.

Varients for forms of baptism

• Aspersion (Sprinkling): Anglican, Presbyterian, Lutheran.

• Affusion (Pouring): Catholic, Anglican.

• Immersion (Dunking): Baptist, Pentecostal, Eastern Orthodox.

9 Features of Baptism

• Water: Symbolises cleansing from sin and rebirth in Christ.

• Sacred text: Scripture readings connecting believers to Christ's teachings.

• Prayers: Renewal of faith vows and rejection of sin.

• Oil: Anointing with the oil of Catechumens.

• White garments: Symbolise purity, righteousness, and new life.

• Candles: Symbolise the light of Christ.

• Faith community: Witnesses who support and guide the candidate.

• Individual: Christ's presence experienced in the gathering (Matt 18:20).

• Ordinance or ritual: Sacred rite ordained by Christ as a sign or means of grace.

John 3:3

"Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Roman Catholic Baptism (How, who, belief)

• How: Pouring water (affusion).

• Who: Babies (paedobaptism) and adults.

• Belief: A necessary sacrament that washes away original sin and permanently seals them to God.

Orthodox Christian Baptism (How, who, belief)

• How: Triple immersion (dunked 3 times for the Trinity).

• Who: Babies (followed immediately by Chrismation and Communion).

• Belief: Fully initiates the person into the church, uniting them with Christ's death and resurrection.

Anglican Baptism (How, who, belief)

• How: Sprinkling or pouring.

• Who: Babies and adults.

• Belief: A sign of new life and forgiveness of sins. Children are expected to personally confirm their faith later as adults.

Baptist Baptism (How, who, belief)

• How: Strict full immersion (underwater). Symbolizes dying and rising with Christ.

• Who: Only believers (credobaptism) old enough to choose faith.

• Belief: A public testimony of a conversion that already happened. Does not save you.

Pentecostal Baptism. (How, who, belief)

• How: Strict full immersion.

• Who: Only believers.

• Belief: Outward sign of inward change. Unique twist: They emphasize a separate "Baptism with the Holy Spirit," which involves spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues.

Seventh-day Adventist Baptism

• How: Full immersion.

• Who: Only believers.

• Belief: A public promise to Jesus symbolizing "death to an old life." Important act of obedience, but not required for salvation.

Churches of Christ Baptism

• How: Strict full immersion.

• Who: Only believers.

• Belief: Crucial difference: They believe baptism is essential for salvation. It is the exact moment a person receives God's forgiveness (citing Acts 2:38).

Quaker Baptism

• How: No physical water used at all.

• Belief: Rituals aren't needed. They focus on an inward, continuous "baptism of the Holy Spirit" through a direct personal experience with God.

Salvation Army Baptism

• How: No physical water used at all.

• Belief: Commitment is shown by being sworn in as a "soldier" in the Army. They practice "sacramental living" (living holily) instead of doing water rituals.

Sacrament vs. Ordinance

• Sacrament: A ritual that literally transmits God's grace or salvation to the person (e.g., Catholic, Orthodox).

• Ordinance: A symbolic act done out of obedience to show faith that is already there (e.g., Baptist, Pentecostal).