Baptism

Baptism is the rite of initiation for Christians. The sacrament of baptism includes the sign of washing with water, washing away sin. This sacrament welcomes the person into the Church and gives them the grace to live a Christian life. There is some disagreement about whether Christians should be baptised as babies or as adults.

Water

The central action of baptism is a symbolic washing with water.
- ‘...and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.’ [1 Peter 3:21 NIV]

Washing away sin

Baptism is believed to wash away original sin (Adam and Eve’s sin of disobedience - eating the apple from the tree of knowledge), and welcome the baptised person into the Christian faith.
- During the time of Jesus, John used to call people to show repentance for their sins by being washed in the River Jordan.
- According to the New Testament, Jesus was baptised by John.

Christian children

Most children born into Christian families will be raised according to Christian values and beliefs whether they are baptised or not.
Some Christian Churches believe that only baptised Christians have been saved by Jesus and can go to heaven.
Other Christian Churches believe that living a good life, that mirrors the teaching of Jesus, is enough to be saved regardless of whether one is baptised or not.

Baptism as babies

Some Christian Churches, such as the Church of England, practise infant baptism, at the request of the child’s parents, where the child’s parents and godparents make the commitment to the Christian faith on behalf of the child.
Those that prefer infant baptism stress the importance of the washing away of original sin as soon as possible after birth.
Many Christian Churches invite young men and women to make the commitment for themselves when they are older. This is called Confirmation.

Baptism as adults

Some Protestant Churches, such as Baptists, only allow adults to be baptised, sometimes by total immersion.
Those that practise adult baptism (sometimes called believer’s baptism) say it is important for a person to make a mature choice to become a Christian.

1Buddhism

2Christianity

2.1Key Beliefs

2.1.1The Nature of God

2.1.2The Problem of Evil

2.1.3Monotheism

2.1.4Creation

2.1.5Bible Accounts of Creation

2.1.6The Trinity and Creation

2.1.7Afterlife

2.1.8Heaven and Hell

2.1.9The Influence of Afterlife on Life

2.1.10End of Topic Test - Christianity Key Beliefs

2.1.11Exam-Style Questions - Christian Beliefs

2.2Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.2.1The Incarnation

2.2.2Jesus - Divine & Human

2.2.3The Crucifixion

2.2.4Jesus' Betrayal

2.2.5Resurrection & Ascension

2.2.6Sin

2.2.7Original Sin

2.2.8Punishment

2.2.9The Means of Salvation

2.2.10Achieving Salvation

2.2.11Disagreements About Salvation

2.2.12The Role of Christ in Salvation

2.2.13Theories of Salvation

2.2.14End of Topic Test - Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.3Worship & Festivals

2.3.1Different Forms of Worship

2.3.2Prayer

2.3.3Sacrament

2.3.4Baptism

2.3.5Other Sacraments

2.3.6Eucharist

2.3.7Pilgrimage & Celebrations

2.3.8Christmas & Easter

2.3.9End of Topic Test - Worship and Festivals

2.4Community

2.4.1Local Community

2.4.2Mission, Evangelism & Church Growth

2.4.3Worldwide Church

2.4.4Reconciliation

2.4.5Persecution

2.4.6Caring for Those in Need

2.4.7End of Topic Test - Community

2.4.8Exam-Style Questions - Christian Practices

3Catholicism (Christianity)

4Islam

5Judaism

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