Adult Baptism

Definition and Meaning

Adult baptism refers to baptism received on the basis of a person's own profession of faith; the term is used to distinguish it from infant baptism. Most Protestant denominations regard baptism as one of the two sacraments (holy rites observed by the church) instituted by Jesus Christ. Adult baptism differs from infant baptism in that it presupposes the conversion and profession of faith of the person receiving it. Upon baptism, the person becomes a baptized member, may participate in Holy Communion, and is recognized as a full member of the church.

Biblical and Historical Background

Most of the baptisms recorded in the New Testament were received by adults who had heard the gospel and come to believe. Jesus commanded his disciples to baptize (Matthew 28:19), and on the day of Pentecost Peter proclaimed, "Repent, and be baptized" (Acts 2:38). The baptisms of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:36–38) and the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:30–34) are representative examples.

The early church instructed candidates for baptism in doctrine for a period of time before baptizing them, and baptisms are known to have often been scheduled around Easter. After infant baptism became widely established, adult baptism was performed mainly in mission fields. During the Reformation, the Anabaptists maintained that only those who had professed faith could be baptized. This understanding, known as "believer's baptism," later appeared among the Baptists and others.

In Korea, the baptism of No Chun-gyeong by Horace Underwood in 1886 is known as the first Protestant baptism administered within the country.

Practice in Korean Churches

• Presbyterian and Methodist: Candidates generally complete a catechumenate stage before receiving baptism. They are required to attend church for a set period and complete baptismal instruction; in Presbyterian churches, the session approves baptism after an examination of the candidate's faith. Baptism is usually administered by sprinkling or pouring water on the head. Those who received infant baptism are not rebaptized but profess their faith through the rite of confirmation.
• Baptist: Baptism is administered only to those who have professed faith, and infant baptism is not practiced. It is performed by immersion, in which the whole body is submerged in water, and many churches require those baptized by other modes to be baptized again by immersion.
• Full Gospel (Assemblies of God) churches: Baptism by immersion is generally administered to adult believers.
• Anglican: After adult baptism, a person generally receives confirmation administered by a bishop.

Denominations differ in their mode and understanding of baptism; these differences are treated in detail in the article Baptism and Immersion. Many Korean churches hold baptismal services in conjunction with major feasts of the church year such as Easter and Christmas.