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{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Baptism |
subtopics = [[Believer's baptism]], [[Infant baptism]], [[Baptismal regeneration]]* [[Baptism of Jesus]]* [[Baptism of the Holy Spirit]] * [[Becoming a Christian]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Baptism (G.G.)]]
* [[The Necessity of Baptism (AmericanCatholic)]]
* [[Baptism, Christian (EBD)|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Christian Baptism]]
}}
Baptism refers to the symbolic sprinkling of , or submersion in , water of a new [[Christian]]. It represents his the person's cleansing from all [[sin]] by the [[death of Jesus]] Christ. Although the word 'baptism' usually refers to baptism by water, it can be used metaphorically, for example "baptism by fire".
===Biblical passages===
In the Bible, baptism is first mentioned in passages that talk about [[John the Baptist]], who called on people to repent and be baptized. [[Jesus]] came to John to be baptized and [[Baptism of Jesus|his baptism]] was recorded in [[Mark 1]]:7-11
: ''{{Bible verse|Mark|1|7|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|Mark|1|8|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|mark|1|9|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|mark|1|10|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|mark|1|11|lang=WEB}}''
After his resurrection, Jesus commanded his disciples to make disciples of all nations and to baptize them. This command, recorded in [[Matthew 28:19]], has become known as the [[Great Commission]].
: ''{{Bible verse|matthew|28|19|lang=WEB}}''
Later in the book of [[Acts]], a number of baptisms are described that are associated with the initial conversion of a new believer.
===Etymology===
The word "baptism" is derived from the Greek verb [[Βαπτιζω]] (baptizo), which means "to immerse" or "to baptize". The noun form [[βαπτισμος]] (baptismos) can mean "dipping" or "baptism".
===Theological viewpoints===
Most Christians agree on the importance of baptism, although a few denominations (such as the [[Salvation Army]]) do not practice baptism. Most agree that a Christian baptism requires three elements: water; it must be done in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; and faith. There are a variety of opinions, however, regarding who should be baptized (must the person being baptized profess faith themself, or can parents of faith bring their children to be baptized?), how much water is required (is full immersion required or is a sprinkling sufficient?), and what baptism actually means (does it actually bring about forgiveness or only symbolize forgiveness?). ====[[Infant baptism]] versus [[Believer's baptism]] ==== In many denominations (including [[Roman Catholicism]], [[Eastern Orthodoxy]] and [[Anglicanism]]), infants are baptized. In some denominations (including [[Baptist]]), only an adult who believes in the death and resurrection of Jesus may be baptized.
====Believer's baptismSymbolism versus [[Baptismal regeneration]]==== In [[Protestant]] denominations, baptism is generally regarded as an act that simply symbolizes forgiveness and new life. In [[Roman Catholicism]] and [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], however, it is taught that God actually brings about forgiveness through the physical action of baptism, a teaching known as [[baptismal regeneration]].
==Quotes==
==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptism Wikipedia - Baptism]
{{returnto}} [[DoctrineChristianity]] | -> [[Becoming a Christiandoctrine and debates]] {{stub}}[[Category:Christian doctrine and debates]]
