What's your view of Baptism

[Mark_S]

Since this is the topic du jour, I'm wondering what the TWEB demographics are on baptism.

1) Baptism is the means of spiritual renewal and initial justification and sanctification through the infusion of grace received in it, in such a way that one cannot be saved ordinarily without it. Baptism communicates saving grace, by the working of its own power. Children of all church members and unbaptized adult converts must be baptized (Roman Catholic).

2) Baptism is a public testimony to one’s faith in Jesus Christ. Only those who have reached the age of discretion can make such a profession of faith. Therefore, only those who are able to confess Christ should be baptized. (Baptist).

3) Baptism is so closely related to the gospel that through it, Christians receive eternal life and without baptism there can be no assurance of salvation. Both the children of believers and unbaptized adult believers should be baptized (Lutheran).

4) Baptism is a means of sanctifying grace and a gospel ministry to the people of God. It is a sign and seal of the Covenant of Grace illustrating what Christ has done for his people and sealing salvation to the same. Therefore covenant children of believing parents as well as unbaptized adult converts should be baptized. (Reformed).

[Zguy28]

Baptist. Why you ask?

Because I'm a Southern Baptist of course!

[Bill the Cat]

#2

[furay]

#1

[Shazard]

Hmm I voted for Lutherans without actually reading what is this "lutheran". Actually what is wrote about Lutheran view is wrong. That is NOT Lutheran view.

[furay]

Hmm I voted for Lutherans without actually reading what is this "lutheran". Actually what is wrote about Lutheran view is wrong. That is NOT Lutheran view.

Well, what's the Lutheran view, then?

[JardinPrayer]

Baptist for me. I've always thought that when Jesus said, "Believe and be baptized," He may have meant that in the very act of believing, we experience a baptism (cleansing of the spirit...dying to the flesh). For me, personally, I did not get baptized because I thought it was essential to my salvation or because I thought it was a requirement of any kind at all. Once I believed, I felt an overwhelming need to be baptized. It came out of nowhere and was not to be denied. I was obedient.

You also did not ask about multiple baptisms. I was baptized a second time after having been away from the church for a while. I did it because I felt the need to rededicate myself to Christ and His work on the cross.

[Crow]

You left out #5--I don't believe that baptism is necessary.

[furay]

You left out #5--I don't believe that baptism is necessary.

[Faramir]

What's a Reformed Baptist supposed to do. I can't vote for both Reformed AND Baptist.
(I voted Baptist)

[Mark_S]

What's a Reformed Baptist supposed to do. I can't vote for both Reformed AND Baptist.
(I voted Baptist)

Thats why I said closest....

[kaine diatheke]

I voted for the Baptist position. Unlike most Baptists though, I'm not strict on immersion, I don't think it makes a difference whether we dunk, pour, or sprinkle.

[Berean Todd]

I voted for the Baptist position. Unlike most Baptists though, I'm not strict on immersion, I don't think it makes a difference whether we dunk, pour, or sprinkle.

Most baptists don't think it matters what form either, it is just preferred to be immersion because that is what is described in the Bible, so why not stick with what was good enough for Jesus? But if circumstances call for something else, go ahead ... for instance many missionaries in desert areas will just sprinkle. Use what you have, just make it sincere.

[TheAnalogman]

2) Baptism is a public testimony to one’s faith in Jesus Christ. Only those who have reached the age of discretion can make such a profession of faith. Therefore, only those who are able to confess Christ should be baptized. (Baptist).

But.......I'm certainly not against infant baptism, either. Are you sure there's only four views?

[Aletheia]

Based on the definitions provided: baptist.