Difference between revisions of "Baptism"

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{{Infobox_Contents |
 
topic_name = Baptism |
 
subtopics = [[Believer's baptism]], [[Infant baptism]], [[Baptismal regeneration]]
 
* [[Baptism of Jesus]]
 
* [[Baptism of the Holy Spirit]]
 
* [[Becoming a Christian]] |
 
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
 
* [[Baptism (G.G.)]]
 
* [[The Necessity of Baptism (AmericanCatholic)]]
 
* [[Baptism, Christian (EBD)|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Christian Baptism]]
 
}}
 
  
Baptism refers to the symbolic sprinkling of or submersion in water of a new [[Christian]]. It represents his cleansing from all [[sin]] by the [[death of Jesus]] Christ.
 
 
Although the word baptism usually refers baptism by water, it can be used in other ways, for example "baptism by fire".
 
 
===Biblical passages===
 
 
In the Bible baptism is first mentioned in passages that talk about [[John the Baptist]] who called on people to repent and be baptized. [[Jesus]] came to John to be baptized and [[Baptism of Jesus|his  baptism]] was recorded in [[Mark 1]]:7-11
 
: ''{{Bible verse|Mark|1|7|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|Mark|1|8|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|mark|1|9|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|mark|1|10|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|mark|1|11|lang=WEB}}''
 
 
After his resurrection Jesus commanded his disciples to make disciples of all nations and baptize them in what is known as the [[Great Commission]] in [[Matthew 28]]:19
 
: ''{{Bible verse|matthew|28|19|lang=WEB}}''
 
 
Later in the book of [[Acts]] a number of baptisms are described that are associated with the initial conversion of a new believer.
 
 
===Etymology===
 
 
The word "baptism" is derived from the Greek verb [[Βαπτιζω]] (baptizo, which means "to immerse" or "to baptize") and noun [[βαπτισμος]] (baptismos, which means "dipping" or "baptism").
 
 
===Theological viewpoints===
 
 
Most Christians agree on the importance of baptism, although a few denominations do not practice baptism, such as the [[Salvation Army]]. There is however a variety of opinions regarding who should be baptized (only believers in Jesus versus children of parents who believe) and what baptism actually means (it actually brings about forgiveness versus it only symbolizes forgiveness).
 
 
====[[Infant baptism]] versus [[Believer's baptism]] ====
 
 
In many denominations (including [[Roman Catholicism]], [[Eastern Orthodoxy]] and [[Anglicanism]]) infants are baptized.
 
 
In some denominations (including [[Baptist]]) only an adult who believes in the death and resurrection of Jesus in baptized.
 
 
====Symbolism versus [[Baptismal regeneration]]====
 
 
In [[Protestant]] denominations baptism is generally regarded as a symbolic act that simply symbolizes forgiveness and new life. In [[Roman Catholicism]] and [[Eastern Orthodoxy]] however, it is taught that God actually brings about forgiveness through the physical action of baptism, a teaching known as [[baptismal regeneration]].
 
 
==Quotes==
 
 
==Links==
 
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptism Wikipedia - Baptism]
 
 
{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Christian doctrine and debates]]
 
[[Category:Christian doctrine and debates]]
 

Revision as of 21:59, 21 May 2009