Baptism
...Son and the Holy Spirit”. After this the child is anointed with chrism and clothed in a white baptismal robe. Finally a candle is lit from the paschal candle and given to the child’s parents. This is a sign that the light of Christ will guide the child through life. The Orthodox Baptism This is basically the same only instead of a baptismal candle a cross is placed around the baby’s neck. Then there is a service of chrismation after which the child is carried around the baptismal font three times and then a small lock of the child’s hair is cut as a sign of dedication to God. Believers’ Baptism This is practised by the following traditions: Baptist Churches, Pentecostal Churches and other Evangelical traditions. It is the baptism of those who are old enough to make their own decisions and understand the commitment being made. Traditions that practise believers’ baptism don’t use a set form of service, so the service may vary a bit from Church to Church. Outline of the service: The Minister gives a sermon to explain the importance of baptism and then he may call on the congregation to remember their own baptism and to renew their commitment to Jesus. Following this those who wish to be baptised are called forward. There are usually a number of candidates and they often wear light or white clothing as this symbolizes forgiveness and new life. After this they are asked if they have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Next they each may read a short passage from the Bible, one which is important to them. After this the candidate and minister step into the pool. The minister says: “(name), because you have repented of your sins and have requested baptism, I baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen” After this the candidate is immersed in water, this is a sign that their old way of life has died. Then the candidate leaves the pool. This symbolizes that their new life has begun and that they have risen to a new life with Christ. As the candidate comes out of the water the congregation sings a hymn chosen by the candidate. A friend, or sponsor, will be waiting at the top of the steps with a towel. This person will be someone who has been important and supportive in the candidate’s spiritual life. AO2 In this section of my coursework I am going to explain the meaning and significance of Baptism for people today. Baptism has always been an important part of Christianity since the earliest days of the Church. Baptism today: Most Christian traditions encourage baptism. It is seen as important because it allows a person to make a fresh start, original sin is washed away, it enables a Christian to share in the death and resurrection of Jesus, it invites God into a person’s life, it gives strength to resist temptation and it unites a Christian with other Christian worshippers Water is used in all Christian baptisms. Water is a powerful, natural symbol of life and death. Water gives life in a desert, in a time of drought or in a famine. Water can also be very cruel, and rough seas have caused many deaths by drowning. Inn the sacrament of Baptism water is a symbol of death and life. There is a death to sin and a rising to a new life in the family of God. An unborn child floats in water in its mother’s womb, which protects the unborn baby, and birth takes place out of this water. Out of the water of Baptism, a child of God is born and a new Christian is welcomed into the Church. Baptism by dipping or full immersion is recommended by the Church because not only was Jesus baptised by water but when water is used the full symbolism of the sacrament can be seen more clearly. Water is symbolic of two beliefs: Firstly water is essential for life, so baptism brings spiritual, eternal life. Secondly water is used to cleanse, baptism brings inner cleanliness. The soul is cleansed of sin. Christians believe that a person who has been baptized has been born again. Christians also say that when a person receives the Holy Spirit it brings them closer to Jesus, and gives them the strength to become more like him. Through water and the Holy Spirit, baptism is a symbol of new life and salvation. There are two methods by which Chri...