Research Paper On Baptism

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Baptism What Is Baptism Baptism is the one practise that all Christian denominations share in common. Baptism is a sacramental rite that admits a person to Christianity and into the Christian community.The Baptismal ceremony involves water- a person can be baptised through either aspersion, affusion or immersion. Baptism is an important aspect of a candidates religious and spiritual life as it cleans their sins away, and adds meaning to their life. “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” (Matthew 28:19–20). How different Denominations View Baptism Christianity has many different denominations, each …show more content…

People are usually baptised into the catholic church at infancy. The Catholic church uses the Trinitarian Baptismal formula to baptize their candidates. Baptism is also required for salvation. Lutherinism The Lutheran Church believes that the pastor is the only person authorised to perform a baptism. They baptise their infants through the sprinkling of water, which is said to be sufficient by the Lutherian laity. Baptism is significant to the church and its members because, as stated in Luthers Small Catechism "The old person in us with all sins and evil desires is to be drowned through daily sorrow for sin and repentance, and that daily a new person is to come forth and rise up." Baptism is not seen as a requirement for salvation, due to the fact that salvation is a gift given to everyone. Seventh Day Adventist The SDA church does not practise infant baptisms, because the believer should choose to be baptised themselves. The church also believes that baptisms should only be performed by full immersion, these baptisms can occur in any kinds of circumstances (i.e Beach, lake, church) and are meant to be a warm and rejuvinating experience. Where the church accepts you into their community, by asking questions, and having a general …show more content…

Water Water is the main sign or symbol used in baptism. Water is the key to survival, it cleanses, refreshes, is powerful, buoyant and an archetypal symbol of purification and life. Water is signficant in many Bible stories, from the Old Testemant, where the flood destroys all evil and provides a new beggining for humanity, to the New Testament, in which Jesus is baptised by John in the Jordan. Water is symbolical for washing away all sin. “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name.” Acts 22:16 The Cross This is a universal symbol for christianity. It reminds christians of the sacrifice that Jesus made when he was crucified. In the Catholic baptism ceremony, making a sign of the cross over a child invokes God’s protection and is an invisible ‘branding’ to say that ‘you belong to Christ’

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