definition: Baptism
Christian ritual of purification by water via aspersion (sprinkle on head), affusion (poured on head), or immersion (submerged).
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| definition: Baptism | Christian ritual of purification by water via aspersion (sprinkle on head), affusion (poured on head), or immersion (submerged). |
| Baptism overview | - a public statement of faith in Jesus Christ by the person or their parents to engage in a living religious practice - a rite of passage + rite of ordinary initation for most Christian denominations, incluidng Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Lutherans - welcomes new members into the Christian faith community |
| Martin Luther quote on Baptism Lutheran denomination | "Baptism works forgiveness of sins and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this." |
| Definition: The nature of God and the Holy Trinity | the belief that God exists as three persons: Father Creator of all, Jesus the son, Holy Spirit. |
| Baptism + Holy Trinity | - sign of the cross: the priest's triad gesture directly invokes the belief in God as three persons - triple immersion: practised by the Orthodox Church to parallel the triune God --> Prayers coinciding with the immersion invoke the Father, Son and Spirit |
| Bible quote that expresses the Trinity in Baptism, Jesus' command - Great Commission | "baptise in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19 |
| Bible quote by John the Baptist that emphasises the presence of all three persons/versions of God during Baptism | 'I saw the Spirit come down. I did not know him, but God told me, "The Spirit you see come down is the one who will baptise with the Holy Spirit."' John 1:32-34 |
| Definition: revelation | - the knowledge God bestowed upon humanity of what was previously unknown, primarily through the Bible. - God's direct self-communication to humans |
| Baptism + Revelation | - During the Catholic Rite of Baptism, the priest or deacon typically references John 3:5 during the Liturgy of the Word after the baptismal water rite, which affirms that, "no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit." |
| Bible quote for Revelation and Salvation, Jesus instructing Baptism | "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit." John 3:5 |
| Bible quote for Revelation in Baptism | "Repent and be baptised, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ." Acts 2:38-39 |
| Bible quote for Revelation in Baptism | divine deliverance from personal or collective suffering or evil (heaven) |
| Baptism + Salvation | - the public declaration or profession of faith (on an infant's behalf, usually in Catholicism) during Baptism allows the adherent to affirm their belief in salvation as they openly place their complete trust in God's saving grace to guide them to eternal life - Catholics and Orthodox deem Baptism as necessary for eternal life to be granted |
| Baptism is necessary for Salvation CCC quote | "The Lord himself affirms that baptism is necessary for Salvation" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1257) |
| Bible quote for Salvation in Baptism | "This water symbolises baptism that now saves you" 1 Peter 3:21 |
| Bible quote for Salvation in Baptism no.2 | Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not will be condemned." Mark 16:16 |
| Definition: The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ | Jesus died with the sins of humanity and then rose from the death three days later |
| Baptism + Death and Resurrection | Rite of passage: washing away of old sinful self to new life with Christ - mirrors Jesus' death & resurrection |
| Bible quote for the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ in Baptism | "We were buried with him through Baptism in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too may live a new life." Romans 6:3-4 |
| Bible quote for the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ in Baptism no.2 | Having been buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through your faith." Colossians 2:12 |
| Baptism for Roman Catholics | Baptism represents initiation into spiritual life. |
| Baptism for Baptists (2 dot points) | - Baptism does NOT represent initiation into spiritual life. - Sign of already being saved, yet not necessary for salvation |
| Significance for Individual | - sense of belonging - rite of initiation (catholics, orthodox) - salvation (catholics, orthodox) - purification/cleansing of original sin marks a new life with Christ - following actions of Jesus in the River Jordan in imitation and continuation of the example He set when He himself was first baptised by John the Baptist |
| Significance for community | - gives community (godparents/sponsors) a chance to renew their own baptismal promises - able to witness contribution to an ancient living tradition within the Church |