Studies Of Religion CHRISTIANITY BAPTISM

Sacrament Sacraments = sacramentum (Lat) cf mysterion (Gk) Sacraments = sacramentum (Lat) cf mysterion (Gk) = a secret revealed OR something of mystical significance – a symbol Represents the more sacred acts in Christian ministry = “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace” approved by Jesus Christ. (Catechism for Confirmation, Anglican Church, Australian Anglican Prayer Book (1978) p.542) = “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace” approved by Jesus Christ. (Catechism for Confirmation, Anglican Church, Australian Anglican Prayer Book (1978) p.542) Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican – all agree Baptism & Lord’s Supper = sacrament Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican – all agree Baptism & Lord’s Supper = sacrament

Baptism “Outward, Visible sign” = Water & baptised in the Name of the “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” “Outward, Visible sign” = Water & baptised in the Name of the “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” “Inward, Spiritual Grace” = death to sin & new birth to righteousness “Inward, Spiritual Grace” = death to sin & new birth to righteousness

Why Baptise? Jesus instructs it (Matthew 28:19-20) Jesus instructs it (Matthew 28:19-20) “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them and teaching them …” Death/Life symbol – Romans 6:3 – Baptism reflects the belief that Christians die to sin just as Jesus died – this is part of an argument that grace does not mean we should sin with abandon! Death/Life symbol – Romans 6:3 – Baptism reflects the belief that Christians die to sin just as Jesus died – this is part of an argument that grace does not mean we should sin with abandon!

Romans 6 6:3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 6:3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 6:11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 6:11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Bible Teaching Repentance is an important part of baptism Repentance is an important part of baptism “Repent and be baptised … in the name of the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sins: and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) (Peter’s first sermon)

Significance Commanded by Christ (Matthew 28:19-20) Commanded by Christ (Matthew 28:19-20) Places Death of Christ at centre (Romans 6) Places Death of Christ at centre (Romans 6) Sign of forgiveness of sins (1 Corinthians 6:11) Sign of forgiveness of sins (1 Corinthians 6:11) 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 Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Note: Christians believe they need forgiveness of sin for salvation and right relationship with God Unity of those who have been baptised i.e. the church (1 Corinthians 12:13) Unity of those who have been baptised i.e. the church (1 Corinthians 12:13) 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.

Variants Roman Catholic view Application of the rite of baptism removes original sin and results in justification (being right before God). Emphasis is on administration of the rite Reformed view Emphasis on receiving the rite and the act of belief

Infant Baptism The differences are most apparent here: The differences are most apparent here: Not saved by baptism – but by belief Not saved by baptism – but by belief Child is still responsible to take up belief in Christ and voluntarily to enter into union with Christ. Child is still responsible to take up belief in Christ and voluntarily to enter into union with Christ. Baptist – Adults only – must be accompanied by profession of faith Baptist – Adults only – must be accompanied by profession of faith

Sprinkled v Dunked?