Describe and explain the central features of infant and believers' baptism

The first 200 words of this essay...

A.M.D.G. Bethan McIlroy

Describe and explain the central features of infant and believers' baptism

Introduction

Baptism is celebrated as a sacrament or a 'mystery' throughout the Christian community all across the world. Within the Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Churches all-together, there are seven sacraments including the baptism which is one of the sacraments of initiation the other sacraments are; marriage, Holy Communion, Holy orders, holy unction (anointing of the sick with oil), conformation and confession. A sacrament is an outward, physical sign of an inward, spiritual blessing; also, a service which communicates this blessing to worshippers.

By taking part in baptism, you become a member of the church you are being welcomed into. As Saint, Paul wrote to the early Christians:

By our Baptism, then, we were buried with him and shared his death; in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father so also we might live a new life.

(Romans 6:4)

You can celebrate baptism either as an adult or a child. Many Christians want there babies baptised as young infants yet many Christians believe that because Jesus was baptised as