Baptism in Christianity

This section explains Baptism in Christianity. Baptism is considered a sacrament in Christianity, which is a sacred ceremony believed to bring individuals closer to God, granting them His grace. A sacrament involves both physical actions and a deeper spiritual meaning. Through such rituals, Christians believe they connect with God on a more profound level.

In Protestant Christianity, baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion) are the two primary sacraments. Both are mentioned in all four of the Gospels, with references to Jesus performing these acts during His ministry on earth.

Baptism is particularly significant for many Christians because it was a practice carried out by Jesus Himself. After His resurrection, He instructed His disciples to continue baptising new believers, emphasising its importance as a fundamental Christian practice. In the Gospel of John, Jesus states:

“No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”
— John 3:5

The practice of baptism can be traced back to John the Baptist, who was the first Jewish figure to use baptism as a symbol of the forgiveness of sins. It was John who baptised Jesus, marking a pivotal moment in Christian tradition. Many Christians believe that baptism cleanses individuals from original sin, the state of sin inherited from Adam and Eve, thus symbolising spiritual purification and the beginning of a new life in Christ.

Baptism is practiced by nearly all Christian denominations as a way of following Jesus’ teachings and example. While all Christians view baptism as essential, different denominations approach the practice in various ways.

Infant Baptism

Some Christians believe that baptism is how an individual becomes a member of the family of God, and for this reason, it is performed on infants. This practice is known as infant baptism.

For Orthodox Christians, infant baptism typically involves total immersion, where the infant is fully submerged in water. In contrast, many other denominations, such as Roman Catholicism and certain Protestant traditions, perform a slightly different form of baptism by sprinkling or pouring water over the infant's head. During this ceremony, the priest or minister may also make the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead using holy oil. The baptismal words, which Jesus Himself used in His Great Commission, are said during the service:

“Baptise in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
— Matthew 28:19

In addition to the ritual itself, there are other important elements in the baptism ceremony. For instance, godparents make promises on behalf of the child, vowing to help the child grow in their Christian faith and to reject evil. This represents the communal nature of Christianity, where the child’s spiritual upbringing is supported by both the church and the family. At the conclusion of the service, the priest often gives a lit candle to the child’s guardians, symbolising the light of Christ and the child’s new life in the faith.

Believers’ Baptism

In contrast to infant baptism, some Christian groups, particularly Baptists and Pentecostals, believe that baptism should only take place when an individual is old enough to understand and personally accept the Christian faith. This practice is referred to as believers' baptism.

Believers' baptism typically involves total immersion in water, symbolising the washing away of sin and the individual’s decision to live a new life in Christ. The person being baptised is fully submerged in water, typically three times, symbolising the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The act of immersion represents the believer's identification with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, and the new life they begin after their baptism.

For many Christians, believers' baptism is preferred because it reflects the example set by Jesus, who was baptised as an adult, and because it allows the individual to make a conscious, personal decision to follow Christ. This practice underscores the importance of personal faith and commitment in the process of becoming a Christian.

Baptism, whether through infant or believers' baptism, is an integral part of Christian practice and an important rite of passage in the faith. Regardless of the method or timing, baptism symbolises a Christian’s entry into the family of God, cleansing from sin, and commitment to following Jesus Christ. The diversity in how baptism is practised across denominations reflects different theological understandings, but all Christians agree on its significance as a powerful expression of faith.