Baptism

Definition and Meaning

Baptism is a rite in which water is used to signify publicly that a person has come to faith in Jesus Christ and become a member of the church. Most Protestants count it, together with the Lord's Supper, as one of two sacraments. A sacrament is a holy rite regarded as having been instituted by Jesus himself.

Denominations understand the meaning of baptism differently. Presbyterians, Methodists, and others regard baptism as a sign and seal that displays and confirms the grace of God. Baptists and others tend to understand it as an act of obedience in which a person who has already believed professes that faith.

Biblical and Historical Background

The Gospels record that John the Baptist administered a baptism of repentance in the Jordan River and that Jesus himself was baptized by him (Matthew 3:13-17). Jesus commanded his disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19). This Trinitarian formula remains in use today. Paul likened baptism to dying and rising again with Christ (Romans 6:3-4).

Documents from around the third century contain references to infant baptism, and the practice subsequently became the norm in the Western church. During the Reformation, Martin Luther and John Calvin retained infant baptism. The Anabaptists, by contrast, maintained that baptism should be administered only to those who had professed faith for themselves.

Practice in Korean Churches

• Mode: Presbyterian, Methodist, Holiness, and Anglican Church of Korea congregations, among others, generally administer baptism by having the minister sprinkle or pour water on the candidate's head (aspersion or affusion). Baptists and Full Gospel churches such as the Korea Assemblies of God generally practice immersion, in which the whole body is submerged in water. Differences concerning mode are discussed in the article Baptism and Immersion.
• Baptismal examination: In Presbyterian churches, the session customarily examines the faith of a person who has completed the catechumenate and then decides whether to baptize him or her. The examination often includes a profession of faith and confirms that the candidate knows the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments.
• Infant baptism and confirmation: Presbyterian, Methodist, Holiness, and Anglican churches administer infant baptism to the children of baptized members. When the child grows older, he or she makes a personal profession of faith after a confirmation examination. Baptist churches do not practice infant baptism. Differing views on this matter are discussed in the article Infant Baptism Controversy.
• After baptism: A person who has been baptized is entered on the church roll as a baptized member and participates in the Lord's Supper. In Presbyterian churches, baptized membership is the criterion for membership in the congregational meeting. Many churches hold baptismal services on festivals such as Easter or Christmas, baptizing a number of people together. Some Baptist churches require those who were baptized by sprinkling to be baptized again by immersion when they join.