Theological glossary · FaithLogic

Baptism

The Christian rite of initiation — washing with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — signifying union with Christ in his death and resurrection, forgiveness, and entry into the church.

Greek baptizō, 'to dip, immerse, wash'; baptisma.

Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38–41; 8:12–13, 36–38; 16:15, 33; Romans 6:3–4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:11–12; 1 Peter 3:21.

Practised from the beginning; infant baptism is attested by the late second century (Irenaeus, Tertullian — who argued against it) and became the norm; the Reformation retained it (Luther, Calvin) except among the Anabaptists, who restricted baptism to professing believers.

The traditions divide over the subjects (believers only, or believers and their children), the mode (immersion, pouring, sprinkling), and the effect (a sign and seal, or a means that conveys regeneration).

One of the most visible church-dividing issues; see the related terms.

Open in the glossary for related terms and the doctrines this concept appears in.