What Baptists Believe About Baptism

by | Mar 14, 2019 | Equipping Center, What Baptists Believe | 0 comments

Scripture References:

  • Matthew 3:13-17 (Jesus’ Baptism)
  • Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission)
  • Romans 6:3-5 (Paul’s description)

Basic Beliefs

  • Baptism does not save you.
  • It is an outward expression of faith.
  • Sacrament vs. ordinance
    • A sacrament is a means of God’s grace
    • An ordinance is a practice that demonstrates the person’s faith.
    • Baptists see baptism and the Lord’s Supper as ordinances.
  • Baptism by immersion
    • The believer is fully dunked under the water.
    • The Greek word baptizo is used throughout the New Testament. It is understood to mean “immerse” and thus we baptize by immersion.
    • Romans 6:3-5 shows that baptism is a symbolic rehearsal of Christ’s own death and resurrection, but also the death of the old sinner and the rebirth and promised resurrection of the new person that each one who is baptized has become in Christ.
  • No infant baptism
    • Scripture never specifically mentions the baptism of the very young.
    • The Great Commission implies a proper order.
    • Baptists traditionally prefer baby dedications where the parents and church promise to help raise the child in Christian practices and teach them Biblical truth.

Other denominations Beliefs

  • United Methodist Church
    • God Initiates the Covenant
      • This is announced with the words, “The Holy Spirit works within you, that being born through water and the Spirit, you may be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.” This is followed by the sign-act of laying hands on the head, or the signing of the cross on the forehead with oil.
    • God has chosen us.
      • Just as the voice from heaven came down and said, “This is my son.” at Jesus’ baptism, Methodists believe baptism identifies us as sons and daughters of God.
    • Baptism is the door through which one enters the church
    • Why Baptize Babies?
      • Children and infants are a part of the church.
      • Mark 10:14: “Let the little children come to me…”
      • Signifies the fact that grace is offered to all.
    • Baptism is Forever
    • Baptism is the Beginning not the end
    • Baptism is viewed as a sacrament.
    • Baptism by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion
    • (Info gathered from the UMC website: umc.org)
  • Presbyterians
    • Communal act of worship
    • Baptize both adults and infants
      • Infant baptism expresses that it is God who chooses us for faith, discipleship, and salvation; without God, we have no power to claim these things for ourselves. However, we affirm that people come to faith at different stages in life, and recognize the baptism of older believers as an equally valid expression of the sacrament.
    • Pouring or Sprinkling is most common, but people can be baptized by immersion
    • Anyone can be baptized
    • Baptism is a sacrament.
    • (Info gathered from Presbyterian Mission website: presbyterianmission.org)
  • Catholics
    • Usually done on Sundays at mass or in the afternoon after mass is over.
    • Baptism is a sacrament
    • The person being baptized is anointed with oils and then water is poured over their head 3 times.
    • In the Catholic Church, infants are baptized to welcome them into the Catholic Church and to free them from original sin.
    • A person being baptized is expected to wear white to symbolize purity of the faith and the cleansing power of baptism.
    • Everyone participates in the ritual of baptism, but the priest, parents, and godparents play an even more active role.
    • Baptism is forever.
    • Baptism also recognizes the role of godparents. That role is to be a good Christian example for the child and being a role model by regularly and faithfully practicing the religion.
    • Info gathered from: https://www.dummies.com/religion/christianity/catholicism/the-catholic-sacrament-of-baptism/
  • Lutheran
    • Baptism is a sacrament
    • Baptize infants because they believe when an infant is baptized, God creates faith in the heart of the infant.
    • Adult baptism takes place after their conversion experience.
    • Baptism is not necessary for salvation.
    • Sponsors or godparents are at the baptism. Sponsors pray for them and when it comes to children help with their Christian upbringing.
    • Mainly Sprinkle but also say that the manner of baptism (immersion, sprinkle, or pouring) does not determine whether or not a baptism is valid.
    • Info gathered from lcms.org