Studies Of ReligionStudies Of ReligionCHRISTIANITYCHRISTIANITY

BAPTISMBAPTISM

SacramentSacrament

• Sacraments = sacramentum (Lat) cf mysterion Sacraments = sacramentum (Lat) cf mysterion (Gk) (Gk) = a secret revealed OR something of mystical = a secret revealed OR something of mystical significance – a symbolsignificance – a symbolRepresents the more sacred acts in Christian Represents the more sacred acts in Christian ministryministry

• = = “an outward and visible sign of an inward and “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace”spiritual grace” approved by Jesus Christ. approved by Jesus Christ. (Catechism for Confirmation, Anglican Church, Australian Anglican (Catechism for Confirmation, Anglican Church, Australian Anglican Prayer Book (1978) p.542)Prayer Book (1978) p.542)

• Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican – all Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican – all agree Baptism & Lord’s Supper = sacramentagree Baptism & Lord’s Supper = sacrament

BaptismBaptism

• ““Outward, Visible sign” = Water & Outward, Visible sign” = Water & baptised in the Name of the “Father, baptised in the Name of the “Father, Son and Holy Spirit”Son and Holy Spirit”

• ““Inward, Spiritual Grace” = death to Inward, Spiritual Grace” = death to sin & new birth to righteousnesssin & new birth to righteousness

Why Baptise?Why Baptise?

• Jesus instructs itJesus instructs it (Matthew 28:19-20) (Matthew 28:19-20)

““Therefore, go and make disciples of all Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them and teaching them nations, baptising them and teaching them …”…”

• Death/Life symbol – Romans 6:3 –Death/Life symbol – Romans 6:3 – Baptism reflects the belief that Christians Baptism reflects the belief that Christians die to sin just as Jesus died – this is part of die to sin just as Jesus died – this is part of an argument that grace does not mean we an argument that grace does not mean we should sin with abandon!should sin with abandon!

Romans 6Romans 6

• 6:3 Or don't you know that all of us who were 6:3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? his death? 44 We were therefore buried with We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. live a new life.

• 6:11 In the same way, count yourselves dead 6:11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Bible TeachingBible Teaching

• Repentance is an important part of Repentance is an important part of baptismbaptism““Repent and be baptised … in the name of the Repent and be baptised … in the name of the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sins: and you will Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sins: and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

(Peter’s first sermon)(Peter’s first sermon)

SignificanceSignificance

• Commanded by Christ Commanded by Christ (Matthew 28:19-20)(Matthew 28:19-20)

• Places Death of Christ at centrePlaces Death of Christ at centre (Romans 6)(Romans 6)

• Sign of forgiveness of sinsSign of forgiveness of sins (1 Corinthians 6:11) (1 Corinthians 6:11)11And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you 11And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Note: Christians believe they need forgiveness of sin for salvation Note: Christians believe they need forgiveness of sin for salvation and right relationship with Godand right relationship with God

• Unity of those who have been baptised i.e. the Unity of those who have been baptised i.e. the churchchurch (1 Corinthians 12:13)(1 Corinthians 12:13)13For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or 13For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

VariantsVariants

Roman Catholic viewRoman Catholic viewApplication of the rite of baptism Application of the rite of baptism

removes original sin and results in removes original sin and results in justification (being right before God).justification (being right before God).

Emphasis is on administration of the riteEmphasis is on administration of the rite

Reformed viewReformed viewEmphasis on receiving the rite and the Emphasis on receiving the rite and the

act of belief act of belief

Infant BaptismInfant Baptism

• The differences are most apparent The differences are most apparent here:here:

• Not saved by baptism – but by beliefNot saved by baptism – but by belief

• Child is still responsible to take up Child is still responsible to take up belief in Christ and voluntarily to enter belief in Christ and voluntarily to enter into union with Christ.into union with Christ.

• Baptist – Adults only – must be Baptist – Adults only – must be accompanied by profession of faithaccompanied by profession of faith

Sprinkled v Dunked?Sprinkled v Dunked?