Baptism
Baptism is central to Christian identity and Christian life. In baptism we are joined to Christ and welcomed into the household of faith, the people of God. Whether in infant or adult baptism, we become members of the body of Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and dedicated to serving God’s purposes for our lives in this world.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus signaled his solidarity with sinners by lining up with the penitent and joining them in the waters of baptism. In his ministry, Jesus offered the gift of living water. So, Baptism is the sign and seal of god’s grace and covenant in Christ. “Baptism is God’s gift of grace and also God’s summons to respond to that grace. Baptism calls us to repentance, to faithfulness, and to discipleship.”
Infant Baptism
The Bible declares that God claimed humanity as God’s own “before the foundation of the world.” (Ephesians 1:4)
Baptism, whether administered to those who profess their faith or to those presented for Baptism as children, is one and the same Sacrament. When adults are baptized they make a public profession of faith. The baptism of children witnesses to the truth that God’s love claims people before they are able to respond for themselves in faith. So, Baptism usually occurs during infancy, though a person may be baptized at any age. Parents bring their baby to church, where they publicly declare their desire that she or he be baptized. When an infant or child is baptized, the church commits itself to nurture that child in faith.
Baptism signifies:
Baptism is received only once. Its effect is not tied to the moment when it is administered, for it signifies the beginning of life in Christ, not its completion. The Presbyterian Church (USA) recognizes and accepts baptisms by other Christian churches.
Baptism is almost always administered as part of a worship service. It must be authorized by the session of a particular congregation and performed by a minister.
Baptism is central to Christian identity and Christian life. In baptism we are joined to Christ and welcomed into the household of faith, the people of God. Whether in infant or adult baptism, we become members of the body of Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and dedicated to serving God’s purposes for our lives in this world.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus signaled his solidarity with sinners by lining up with the penitent and joining them in the waters of baptism. In his ministry, Jesus offered the gift of living water. So, Baptism is the sign and seal of god’s grace and covenant in Christ. “Baptism is God’s gift of grace and also God’s summons to respond to that grace. Baptism calls us to repentance, to faithfulness, and to discipleship.”
Infant Baptism
The Bible declares that God claimed humanity as God’s own “before the foundation of the world.” (Ephesians 1:4)
Baptism, whether administered to those who profess their faith or to those presented for Baptism as children, is one and the same Sacrament. When adults are baptized they make a public profession of faith. The baptism of children witnesses to the truth that God’s love claims people before they are able to respond for themselves in faith. So, Baptism usually occurs during infancy, though a person may be baptized at any age. Parents bring their baby to church, where they publicly declare their desire that she or he be baptized. When an infant or child is baptized, the church commits itself to nurture that child in faith.
Baptism signifies:
- The faithfulness of God,
- The washing away of sin,
- Rebirth,
- Putting on the fresh garment of Christ,
- Being sealed by God’s Spirit,
- Adoption into the covenant family of the Church,
- Resurrection and illumination in Christ.
Baptism is received only once. Its effect is not tied to the moment when it is administered, for it signifies the beginning of life in Christ, not its completion. The Presbyterian Church (USA) recognizes and accepts baptisms by other Christian churches.
Baptism is almost always administered as part of a worship service. It must be authorized by the session of a particular congregation and performed by a minister.