Understanding Christian Baptism

• Baptism is a Christian rite of initiation and purification
• The rite traditionally involves water, which symbolizes cleansing from sin and spiritual rebirth
• Many denominations view baptism as a sacrament, which is a means of grace
• Baptism relates to Jesus' command in the Great Commission: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)

Biblical Basis for Baptism

Jesus' Baptism (Mark 1:9–11)

• John the Baptist baptised Jesus in the River Jordan
• The Holy Spirit descended like a dove, and a voice from heaven declared Jesus as God's Son
• Jesus' baptism sets an example for believers to follow

Early Church Practice (Acts 2:38, Acts 8, Romans 6)

• Acts 2:38: Peter called for repentance and baptism "in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins"
• Baptism became a key initiation rite in early Christianity
• Romans 6: Paul linked baptism with being united with Christ in death and resurrection

Infant Baptism (Paedobaptism)

• Practiced by the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Church, and some Methodists and Lutherans

Theological Support

• Based on the idea of original sin developed by St Augustine
  • All humans inherit sin from Adam and Eve
  • Baptism cleanses even infants from this inherited guilt
• Seen as necessary for salvation (John 3:5: “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.")
• Covenantal theology: Baptism replaces Old Testament circumcision as the sign of inclusion in God's covenant community (Colossians 2:11-12)
• Community-focused: The faith of the parents and godparents supports the child until they can confirm it later (confirmation)

Augustine (354–430 CE)

• Strong advocate for infant baptism
• Taught that unbaptised infants would not attain salvation

Believer's Baptism (Credobaptism)

• Practiced by Baptist Church, Pentecostal Church, and some Evangelicals

Theological Support

• Baptism should be reserved for those who have personally repented and confessed faith in Jesus
• Jesus was an adult when baptised, so believers should follow his example
• Emphasizes free will and conscious decision
• Typically involves full immersion in water, symbolizing death to sin and rising to new life

Zwingli's View (1484–1531)

• Swiss Reformer who rejected baptism as a means of grace
• Taught that baptism is a symbol of commitment and faith, not a sacrament that imparts spiritual power
• Strongly opposed Catholic and Lutheran sacramental theology

Baptism: Sacrament or Symbol?

Sacrament View (Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican)

• Baptism is a means of grace
• It causes real change: cleansing from sin, incorporation into the Church, spiritual regeneration

Symbolic View (Zwingli, Baptist churches)

• Baptism is an outward sign of inward faith
• It does not cause grace or salvation but expresses one's decision to follow Christ
• Often paired with believer's baptism

Modes of Baptism

• Sprinkling: Water sprinkled on forehead (Catholic, Anglican)
• Pouring: Water poured on the head (Orthodox, Anglican)
• Immersion: Full body immersion in water (Baptists, Pentecostals)

Key Contrasts

• Infant Baptism (Paedobaptism)
  • Age: Performed on infants
  • View of faith: Faith of parents/godparents sufficient
  • Purpose: Removes original sin, joins Church
  • Theology: Sacrament (imparts grace)
  • Biblical support: Acts 16:15 (household baptisms)
• Believer's Baptism (Credobaptism)
  • Age: Performed on those who confess faith
  • View of faith: Personal faith required
  • Purpose: Public declaration of faith
  • Theology: Symbol (shows obedience)
  • Biblical support: Acts 2:38, Jesus' adult baptism

Key Scholars & Thinkers

• St. Augustine supported infant baptism due to original sin
• Zwingli rejected baptism as a sacrament and saw it as a symbol
• Karl Barth criticised infant baptism and argued true baptism must follow belief
• Paul (Romans 6) stated baptism signifies dying and rising with Christ

Theological Themes & Broader Connections

• Salvation: Is baptism necessary for salvation? (John 3:5 vs. thief on the cross)
• Ecclesiology: Baptism as entry into the Church creates communal identity
• Sacramental Theology: Differing views on how/if grace is mediated through rituals
• Tradition vs. Scripture: Debate over biblical basis for infant baptism

Key Scripture References

• Matthew 28:19: Jesus' command to baptise all nations
• John 3:5: Being "born of water and Spirit"
• Acts 2:38: Repentance and baptism for forgiveness
• Romans 6:3-4: Baptism as sharing in Christ's death and resurrection
• Acts 16:15: Household baptism - used to support infant baptism
• Colossians 2:11-12: Baptism as New Covenant parallel to circumcision