JUST ASK THE QUESTION

Christians gathering in an Ecumenical dialogue to learn more about each other's church.

2N – GETTING WASHED UP

Question 2: What is your church’s view on Baptism; what is it, when do you do it, how do you do it, is it essential?

To view previous questions and responses simply scroll down to archives and click on the topic or church of your choice.

Non-Denomination (Chad) writes:

Baptism is an outward expression and an announcement of your faith. It is a chance for a person to step forward in front of the church community and through a physical action display their faith in Christ. This is not a requirement though; if a person does not get baptized, then it does not condemn them. With that said, if you are a Christian and want to take the next step in your faith, then it is highly recommended for that person to be baptized. The reasoning behind this is that we are to become like Christ and one of the first things that He did in His ministry (Matthew 3:13-17) was being baptized.  To further explain why we should be baptized, Jesus was God in human flesh and he obeyed the commands of John, who was the prophet of God. John's work had been prophesied in the Old Testament (see Matthew 3:3). Jesus had come to do the will of the Father. He said, "I have come to do thy will" (Hebrews. 10:7-8). John was God's prophet, and Jesus would be obedient unto the Father by being baptized by the Father's prophet.

Baptism is conducted through complete submersion in water. Jesus had a purpose in mind in seeking out John. He wanted to be baptized by him (Matthew 3:13). The Greek word "baptizo" means "immersion."  John was immersing people in the waters of the Jordan River. He was not sprinkling a little water on them; neither was he pouring water on them. In fact, even today the Greek Orthodox Church practices immersion because they, being Greek, know what the word meant. It would not be appropriate to refer to John as "John the sprinkler."

This is exactly why John chose the location he did to do his work. If he had been "John the Sprinkler" he could have carried some water with him. But because he immersed, he had to work in an area that had enough water. The Bible says, "And John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and they were coming and were being baptized." (John 3:23).

This is done at a time when a person is old enough to make a decision on their own without coercion. Each person who is named in the Bible as receiving baptism was able to make an informed decision about their choice. To the best of my knowledge, there are no references to infants being baptized. Accepting Christ is a personal choice that each of us has to make on our own, no one can make this decision for us. This is the same for baptism which is part of our faith and walk with Christ.

Just as there is much controversy in the religious world today about baptism, there was in Jesus' world as well (see Luke 7:29-30). The people who understood their need as sinners for God's grace accepted John's baptism and God's justification (righteousness). Others, like the Pharisees, rejected John's baptism and sought to prevent others from being baptized (see Matthew 21:23-28; 23:13).

There are reasons not to baptize someone. We should not baptize one who does not believe or repent (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Neither should we baptize a person who is ignorant of its purpose - to receive the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). If one has not reached the maturity to accept the gospel by faith, then he or she should not be baptized (Acts 8:12).

posted by: muniz at 13:16 | link | comments |
c-non-denomination, t2-baptism

2C – GETTING WASHED UP

Question 2: What is your church’s view on Baptism; what is it, when do you do it, how do you do it, is it essential?

To view previous questions and responses simply scroll down to archives and click on the topic or church of your choice.

Catholic (Kevin) writes:

In the Catholic Church, Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, because through Baptism we are freed from the power of sin (death to sin) and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission (CCC 1213).  It is in Baptism that all sins are forgiven, original and personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin so that nothing remains that would impede one’s entry into the Kingdom of Heaven (CCC 1263).

For all of mankind, we are born with a fallen human nature and thus with a need for a savior (Rom 5:18).  Whether a newborn or an adult, everyone is in need of Jesus Christ and no one can enter heaven without the saving grace of God.  For this reason, the Catholic Church baptizes everyone no matter the age in the most expressive way by triple immersion in the baptismal water or by pouring the water three times over the person’s head, which has been used since ancient times, with the accompaniment of the Trinitarian baptismal formula “N., I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (CCC 1239-40).

Baptism is the sacrament of faith (Mk 16:16), but this faith needs the community of believers.  The faith required for Baptism is not a perfect and mature faith, but a beginning that is called to develop; it is a springboard for our life in Christ.  For this reason, preparation and instruction for baptized adults and the help along the road of Christian life by the parents and godparents, who must be firm believers, are vital for their growth in faith. All in all, the whole community bears some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism (CCC 1253-5)

For the Catholic Church, she does not know of any other means other than Baptism that assures entry into heaven; this is why she does not neglect the mission she received from the Lord (Mt 28:19-20) to see that all who can be baptized are “being born of water and Spirit” (Jn 3:5).  It is also important to note that although we are bound to Baptism, God is not bound by his instruction.  Thus everyone who not by their own choice either by ignorance or other factors has not received Baptism, the Catholic Church entrusts them to the mercy of God and His just judgment.

 

Romans 5:18   ¹⁸ Then as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one man's act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men.

Mark 16:16   ¹⁶ He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Matthew 28:19-20   ¹⁹ 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,  ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."

John 3:5   ⁵ Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

* CCC = Catechism of the Catholic Church; Bible translation = RSV

posted by: muniz at 15:27 | link | comments (2) |
c-catholic, t2-baptism