What is right in Baptism?
By cook4t7
@cook4t7 (202)
United States
5 responses
@snookumsnort (313)
• Philippines
7 Jul 07
I'm a catholic and you are right to say that our baptismal practices include sprinkling infants. I guess by virtue of my religion, this is a practice that I am more used to. However, I don't think there is a "right" or "wrong" way of baptizing. Baptism is a rite to welcome people into their religion. For us it is a way of introducing people to God and to welcoming them into life with Jesus Christ. The actions involved in the actual rites are more symbolic so I believe that the meaning behind them is more important than the actions themselves.
@snookumsnort (313)
• Philippines
7 Jul 07
Regarding Mark 16:16, I read an article too that explained it further: http://www.carm.org/doctrine/Mark_16_16.htm. It cites that baptism (the rite) is not a requirement for salvation. If I remember correctly, Christ placed more importance in the renewal of one's soul, which is also a form of baptism. In as much as "baptism" is a word for a welcoming rite, it is also defined as "spiritual cleansing and rebirth". I think the latter definition is what is meant by Mark 16:16. When one is reborn into Christ, one accepts the gift of salvation by virtue of belief in His saving grace.
@ryanphil01 (4182)
• Philippines
7 Jul 07
Baptism is not the agency or means of Salvation. This means that Baptism has never saved anyone nor ever will it. Our Saving Grace only comes by receiving and believing The Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, then and only then are we ready as a candidate for Baptism.
Baptism is not offered in Scriptures as an option as to whether it is by sprinkling or immersion. At all times Baptism must be observed by immersion and not by dipping or sprinkling.
This is demonstrated in Matthew 3:16, "And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water:"
@eiencafe (155)
• Italy
9 Jul 07
Well Baptism is a rite to wash the child of the Original Sin commeted by his/her parents to concive him/her and here it is usually in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. We don't immerge babies in water but pour a cup of holy water on the head and the parents say something like "I accept God..." or "I don't accept Satan..." (don't know the real translation, sorry) in place of their child (because he can't at the time - Confirmation is when the kid says the same "promises" made by his/her parents doring Baptism but this time s/he thinks for him or herself, usually when you're 11 years old). It's not for salvation but to present the baby to God and to introduce him/her to the Religion. I don't know why Jesus was baptised because he wasn't born with the Original Sin and I don't know if our Baptism is written in the Bible (I'm not much religious even if I'm Catholic and Baptised)
Nowadays every baby is baptised (I mean Catholic ones) even if the parents aren't too religious, don't ask me why but I think it became something to follow (for this reason I'm not to close with my religion).