Baptism. The word itself might conjure up images of babies in white gowns, or perhaps scenes of people being immersed in rivers. Maybe you’ve witnessed a baptism, or perhaps you’re curious about its significance. I myself have a somewhat unique baptism story. I’ve been baptized twice – once as a baby, and again as an adult on a Florida beach. This personal experience highlighted to me how varied understandings and practices of baptism can be within Christianity. Perhaps you, like me at one point, have questions about this important Christian ritual.
This article aims to explore the fundamental question: What Is Baptism? We will delve into its meaning, understand its importance within the Christian faith, and discuss the different ways it is practiced in churches today.
Defining Baptism: A Visible Sign of an Invisible Reality
Baptism is an ordinance instituted by Jesus Christ himself, a practice commanded to be carried out by the Church (Matthew 28:19). It’s more than just a ritual; it’s a powerful public declaration of a spiritual transformation (Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:11-15; 1 Peter 3:20-22). Think of it as an outward symbol representing an inward reality – a person’s entry into the Christian community, the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). In fact, the practice of baptism is considered one of the distinguishing marks of a true Christian Church.
As stated on our website what.edu.vn (adapted for hypothetical context), “Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the two ordinances mandated by the Lord Jesus, visibly and tangibly expressing the gospel. While they are not the means of salvation themselves, when observed by the Church with genuine faith, these practices affirm and strengthen the believer.”
Baptism, therefore, is a God-ordained practice that tangibly communicates the core message of the gospel.
To further understand what baptism is, the New City Catechism, a valuable resource summarizing Christian beliefs in a question-and-answer format, provides insightful clarity. In Question 44, it asks, “What is baptism?” and answers: “Baptism is washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It signifies and seals our adoption into Christ, our cleansing from sin, and our commitment to belong to the Lord and to his Church.”
Expanding on this, Question 45 addresses a common point of confusion: “Is baptism with water the washing away of sin itself?” The answer is a clear “No. Only the blood of Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit can cleanse us from sin.” This distinction is crucial. Baptism is not what saves us, but it is a visible representation of the salvation we receive through Jesus Christ.
While many Christian denominations agree on this fundamental understanding of baptism, differences arise regarding the timing of baptism (whether infants or only believers should be baptized) and the method of baptism (immersion or sprinkling). We’ll explore these variations further, but first, let’s consider why baptism holds such significance.
The Importance of Baptism: Commanded by Jesus and Rich in Meaning
The sheer fact that Jesus Christ commanded the Church to practice baptism underscores its immense importance. Let’s not forget that Jesus himself underwent baptism (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:9). His example, coupled with his direct command to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them” (Matthew 28:19), imbues this practice with profound significance. Simply put, baptism is important because Jesus is important!
The statement we referenced earlier from what.edu.vn (adapted) beautifully captures the spiritual significance of baptism (along with the Lord’s Supper): “Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the Church in genuine faith, these practices confirm and nourish the believer.”
So, why is baptism important? It’s a God-ordained act that nourishes our faith and vividly portrays the gospel. It’s an act of obedience to Christ’s command and a public declaration of our new life in Him. It is a way we identify with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4).
Diverse Practices: Exploring Credobaptism and Paedobaptism
While the core meaning of baptism remains consistent across many Christian traditions, the practical application varies. Two primary distinctions in baptismal practice are credobaptism and paedobaptism.
Credobaptism, derived from the Latin “credo” meaning “I believe,” is the practice of baptizing believers – individuals who have made a conscious profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Churches that practice credobaptism, like Christ Community Church (in the original article’s context), typically baptize individuals who can articulate their personal conversion experience. The method of baptism often associated with credobaptism is immersion, where the believer is fully submerged in water and then raised up, symbolizing death to their old life and resurrection to new life in Christ.
Paedobaptism, from the Greek “paedo” meaning “child,” is the practice of baptizing infants of believing parents. Churches that practice paedobaptism believe that baptism is a sign of God’s covenant, similar to circumcision in the Old Testament, and that children of believers are included in this covenant. Paedobaptism is often administered through sprinkling or pouring water over the infant, rather than full immersion.
Both credobaptism and paedobaptism are rooted in theological interpretations of Scripture and tradition. It’s important to recognize that these different practices stem from sincere attempts to follow biblical teaching, although interpretations differ.
In churches practicing credobaptism, infant dedication ceremonies are often held. These ceremonies are distinct from baptism and serve as a way for the church community to commit to supporting parents in raising their children in the Christian faith.
Another point of variation among Christians is whether baptism is a prerequisite for church membership 3. Some churches require baptism for membership, while others, like Christ Community Church (in the original article’s context), prioritize a profession of faith in Christ as the primary requirement for membership. They view baptism as a significant step of obedience following conversion but not necessarily a condition for formal church membership.
The question of re-baptism also arises, particularly for individuals who were baptized as infants and later made a personal profession of faith. While the Bible doesn’t explicitly command re-baptism in such cases, some individuals choose to be re-baptized as a public declaration of their adult conversion and identification with a particular church community that practices credobaptism. The decision to be re-baptized is often a matter of personal conviction and church practice.
Conclusion: Embracing Baptism as a Meaningful Step of Faith
Baptism is a deeply meaningful practice within the Christian faith. It is a visible symbol of an invisible grace, an act of obedience to Jesus’ command, and a powerful declaration of our commitment to Christ and His Church. Whether practiced by immersion or sprinkling, for believers or infants, baptism serves as a vital expression of the gospel.
If you are considering baptism and have never been baptized as a believer, we encourage you to explore it further. It’s a joyous occasion for both the individual and the church community, a celebration of God’s saving work in a person’s life. Sharing your story of faith through baptism is an incredibly encouraging and uplifting experience for everyone involved.
Resources for Further Study:
[1] https://www.efca.org/blog/understanding-scripture/baptism-infant-and-believer
[2] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/is-baptism-required-church-membership/
[3] See the article on re-baptism by Greg Strand: https://www.efca.org/blog/understanding-scripture/baptism-faith-rebaptism-and-roman-catholic-church
