GCSE COURSEWORK - BAPTISM
The Baptist Church believes that no one should be baptised until they are old enough to accept Christianity for themselves and understand fully all that it entails. For this reason Baptism is seen by Baptists as an ordinance rather than a sacrament and a ceremony only for the believer- "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." They also see it as a ceremony with profound symbolism.
It is a very symbolic occasion as it signifies the end of the old life and the start of a new life as a Christian believer. It also identifies with Christ's death, burial and resurrection; as seen in Romans 6: 3-4.
"Don't you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? 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 to may life a new life."
When the believer descends into the baptistery steps, into the water, it identifies with Christ's death. The candidate is the totally immersed under the water; they have 'died' to their formal sinful way of life. Christ also died and was buried and God raised Jesus to life on the third day- this is symbolised in the believer's baptism by them coming up out of the water. He or she now has a new life with Christ.
The Baptism Service is for mature teenagers and adults who have already come to know Jesus as their Saviour and Lord~ the Baptism Service is a way of showing this publicly.
Prior to their Baptism, the candidate is asked to attend preparation classes for a period of time- consisting of Bible Studies. Once they are ready to be baptised, the Baptism Service is normally part of the evening Sunday service. The believers usually sit at the front of the church in casual clothing, awaiting their turn. The hymns which are sung during the service are earlier selected ...
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The Baptism Service is for mature teenagers and adults who have already come to know Jesus as their Saviour and Lord~ the Baptism Service is a way of showing this publicly.
Prior to their Baptism, the candidate is asked to attend preparation classes for a period of time- consisting of Bible Studies. Once they are ready to be baptised, the Baptism Service is normally part of the evening Sunday service. The believers usually sit at the front of the church in casual clothing, awaiting their turn. The hymns which are sung during the service are earlier selected by the candidate's requests.
The service starts when the Opening Hymn is sung, which is followed by a prayer. The Minister then says a short sermon- generally based towards the candidates. Another hymn is followed from the sermon; leading up to the interview the Minister has with each candidate. During the interview the Minister asks the candidates three questions on their faith...
. "Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that He came into the world in human flesh to save us from sin and deliver us from the wrath to come?"
2. "Do you, in the presence of God and of this company of people, make profession of repentance towards God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and do you affirm that you are trusting only in Christ and His death for your salvation?"
3. "Do you understand that God commands you to live for Him in accordance with the profession of faith you now make; and that it is God's will that you maintain communion with Him by prayer, Bible study and fellowship with other believers in church life?"
The candidates then answer 'I do' to each question. After the interviews, each person is asked in turn to enter the water- two church members, normally two office-bearers, perform the act of baptism.
One of them says...
"On profession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ I now baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Each candidate in turn is immersed-burial- and then raised up again-resurrection. After each candidate has been baptised in the water, everyone present sings the final hymn.
The candidates then return to their seats, and the Minister says the closing prayer.
53 Ballynahatty Road
Belfast
23 February 2007
Dear Tom and Mandy,
So nice to hear from you- hopefully you will get a chance to read this, with all the cleaning, nappy changing and feeding going on right now with Peter! How is he?
Anyway, I am more than happy to assist you on your path to Peter's religious faith.
Firstly, you obviously know that Baptism is the sacrament which marks entry into the church. This dates right back to the New Testament, when Paul 'believed Baptism marked the beginning of the Christian Life.'
The Methodist Church's baptisms go about by the parents presenting their child for baptism. Baptism claims for the child the benefits of Christ's death and resurrection and signifies their admission into the community of the church. At this time, parents dedicate their child to God and promise to bring them up in the Christian Faith- if this is what you are worrying about, don't be. Every child gets the chance to have two Godparents- one appointed by you two, and one appointed by the Minister. Whoever is picked as your Godparents, they are there to assist you and help you to raise Peter into the Christian upbringing.
As im already aware, you are both committed Christians, and the service of Peter's baptism would centre on your faith and the congregations faith- so you two would be perfect.
Although, you as the parents do get to guide Peter on his religious choices, it is, at the end of the day his choice. So by baptising him into the Methodist Church, you are giving him the chance to decide, as when he has grown into a young person, he gets asked to 'confirm' publicly whether he believes in Christ.
I personally, feel child Baptism is very good thing for children. It lets them feel part of a Christian community from a very young age, and offers them somewhere else to feel safe apart from their home. It also lets them make a choice at the time when they are old enough, on whether they continue their life through a Christian upbringing.
But of course everyone has their own feelings on this, and some people feel you are making too big a decision for the children, and they don't really know what is going on, as they are too young.
But I don't feel baptising your child is a good thing to do- and keep the grandparents happy- have a wee party after it, celebrate the life of your beautiful son.
Hope this helps you somehow,
Gary
Word Total: 825 (no quotes)
Word Total: 1063 (with quotes)
