Baptism

Baptism

The second sacrament accepted by most Christians is baptism. It is

the rite of initiation by which people enter the Church. Christians

define baptism as being the ‘outward and visible sign of an inward and

spiritual grace.’ This means that when people are baptised they

declare to the world that their sins are forgiven and they are living

a new life. Christians believe that baptism is a demonstration of

belonging to Jesus and identifying with him.

Baptism is highly significant for Christians and is an extremely

important part of their worship. It is significant for two main

reasons. One of these is that Christians see baptism as an act of

renewal. It marks an end to the person’s former sinful life and a

beginning to their new life with Christ. The other reason is that it

is an act of renunciation. The candidate is asked if they will repent

of their sins and denounce evil. They are giving up their past sinful

existence and embracing Jesus’s teachings.

Baptism is only for teenagers and adults who recognise Jesus as their

Saviour. Before being baptised, the candidate will be asked to attend

preparation classes for approximately a month. These weekly classes

consist of studying the Bible. The baptism service is usually part of

the Sunday evening service. A candidate for baptism does not need to

dress formally for the occasion and usually wears casual clothing.

They sit at the front of the church for the ceremony. Baptism normally

takes place in a large tank of pool at the front of the Church called

a Baptistry, although they may also take place in rivers, seas,

swimming pools and other places containing water.

The service begins with the congregation singing a hymn of the

candidate’s choice. A prayer is then spoken and then the minister will

deliver a sermon, which is normally addressed as an exhortation to the

candidate. Another hymn is sung and the candidate is interviewed by

the minister. The candidate gives a brief word of witness.