Give a brief account of a service of baptism in a Baptist Church explaining the symbolism involved.

GCSE Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)

Baptism

Kirsty Kee

The Baptist church only baptises believers and does not think that being baptised makes you a Christian. This is because Jesus said, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Therefore you have to be a disciple before baptism. Children are not baptised, only mature teenagers and adults, who recognise Jesus as their saviour, and make a public declaration of their faith. The Baptist church believes that being baptised when you have faith was commanded by the Lord and should be followed. The service is normally part of an evening Sunday service.

Before a baptism, the candidate attends Bible Classes for a month. Most Baptist churches have a baptistery in the church. You can be baptised in a river, sea or a swimming pool.

The service begins with an opening hymn that the believer can chose. A prayer and a short sermon, often explaining the purpose of a baptism to the candidate, follow this. Another hymn is sung and then each candidate is interviewed. Then two church members explain the meaning and the importance of baptism.

In Windsor Baptist church they can say, “We are not made Christians by baptism,” and, “It is a constant reminder to us that we have embarked on a new life and have left the old behind us.” Next, the candidate is asked three questions to which they answer, “I do.” These include: “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?” “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?” “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?”

Afterwards the candidate enters the baptistery, which is normally waist deep via one set of steps, which signify Christ’s death. The minister pronounces their name and completely immerses them in water, symbolising Christ’s burial. Then they exit the water via another set of stairs to show that they are being raised to their new life after having their sins washed away and forgiven. The church member that performs the baptism 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.”

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The final hymn is sung. The hymns can include, “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” and, “In Christ Alone.” Then the believers return and the service is closed in prayer.

From Romans 6 : 3-4 we learn the main reasons for baptism, “Don’t you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We are therefore buried with Christ through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

Write a reply to the letter from Tom and Mandy showing that you understand the arguments for and against having Peter being baptised as a baby and offering your considered advice.

Dear Tom and Mandy,

Congratulations on the new baby! I am pleased to see that you are still active in the church and thank you for coming to me at such a time. As I am sure you have realised, there are many reasons why a baby should and shouldn’t be baptised.

Baptism marks the end of an old life and a new one with God. The submersion in water represents the sins being forgiven and being reborn into the Church. The stages represent the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. It is a decisive step towards commitment to Christianity.

If you do decide to baptise Peter, remember that you should make a decision for the right reasons rather than your parents wish to, “have a christening.” Grandparents often show this type of concern for their grandchildren. You should recognise the importance of a baptism, not the celebrations and gifts.

Many people feel a sense of unworthiness and fear about making such a huge commitment to the church. Your anxieties have been recognised and God only expects you to do your best as parents and to make your decisions carefully – as you are doing now. As parents you should try to involve him in the Church as much as possible and at home you could pray with him. Make sure you set a good example whenever you can and remember that as he grows up he will see you as his role-models.

Peter can still grow up in the Church and be involved in Church life without being baptised. If you are afraid of making a mistake you could wait until he is older and then it is his decision. In that way he could follow what Jesus said and "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Some have interpreted this to mean Jesus wanted his followers to be disciples before being baptised.

In the Bible, adults were baptised and it is strongly symbolic. In Romans 6: 3-4 we learn the main reasons for baptism, “Don’t you know that all of us who were baptised in to Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We are therefore buried with Christ through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” However, Paul says that membership with God does not require baptism, but faith and actions. It is a visual aid to declaring beliefs.

Mark 10 v 13-16 says, “Some people brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch them, but his followers told them to stop. When Jesus saw this, he was upset and said to them, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to people who are like these children. I tell you the truth, you must accept the kingdom of God as if you were a little child, or you will never enter it.” This may be his version of baptism. Then Jesus took the children in his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them.”

Remember you have plenty of time to decide when Peter should be baptised. It is not urgent. The decision is inevitably yours and ensure it is mutual because you both share the responsibility for Peter. I hope that this is some help and if you require any more information, I am always willing to meet with you if you have any more concerns.

Yours sincerely

Kirsty

Bibliography

Windsor Baptist church Order of service

‘Examining Religious: Christianity’ by Joe Jenkins, Heinemann

Encyclopaedia Britannica

Encarta Encyclopaedia

http://www.btinternet.com/~baptistyouth/archive/schoolsvisit/B2BaptismalService.doc