Baptism in Christian Faith: Forms of Baptism

Student’s Name Tutor’s Name Course Date Baptism in Christian Faith Baptism is among the most important practices in the Christian faith. Christians hold this practice dear for several reasons. The most important reason is that baptism is a show of obedience. In Matthew 28: 19-20, Jesus commanded the disciples to go and baptize people in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Therefore, baptism is a portrayal of obedience to the commands of Jesus (Hillsong FAITH). Christians are also called to emulate the life of Jesus. Owing to the fact that Jesus was baptized in the river Jordan and the heavens opened up and proclaimed that Jesus was God’s son and that the father was pleased with Him makes baptism highly important in the life of a Christian (Harless). Baptism is first mentioned in the Bible during the time of John the Baptist. John baptized people into repentance. Therefore, baptism leads to forgiveness. Baptism is also a public declaration and confession of one’s belief, faith, and commitment to Christ (Haykin). Moreover, baptism symbolizes the death and resurrection of Christ. By being baptized, one identifies with the death and resurrection of Christ. It symbolizes a move from death to life. Being washed in water means that the old ways have been washed away and a Christian has been given a new start. Different Christians practice baptism in different ways. This has been a cause of debate among various denominations for a long time. Baptism by immersion has been advanced as the standard way of baptism. However, various other forms are still used by different Christian denominations. To further understand this topic and try to settle the debate, this paper will look at the various forms of baptism and then seek the Biblical perspective on the way that baptism should be carried out. Forms of Baptism The use of water is a dominant element in most forms of baptism. The earliest form of baptism among the Christians involved total or partial immersion in water. Under total immersion, the candidate of baptism is completely submerged under water. In partial immersion, the candidate stands or kneels, and then water is poured on them. Though some Christians hold that baptism should involve total immersion, partial immersion is prevalent in many denominations. The root of this assertion can be traced back to the time of John the Baptist. Due to the fact that John chose a deep and permanent river suggests that huge amounts of water should be used in baptism. Therefore, this group of Christians argues for baptism by total immersion. Moreover, the term ‘baptism’ point towards immersion. Baptism comes from the Greek word ‘baptisma’ which refers to ritual washing. The practice is common in various Protestant denominations as well as Eastern Orthodox churches. Partial immersion, where water is poured over the upper body of the candidate, has been practiced from as far as the 3rd century, according to archaeological and pictorial evidence (Hicks and Weedman). Aspersion is another common form of baptism. Under this practice, holy water is sprinkled on the candidate’s head. It is performed by some Protestant denominations as well as the Catholics. Though some theologians still hold that immersion is the typical way of administering baptism, it has been accepted as an alternative over the years. In the early years, it was mostly carried out on children and the sick. The proponents of the practice do not deny the validity of immersion. Rather, they hold that aspersion is also valid and more practical than immersion, especially in modern settings (Stacy). Affusion form of baptism involves pouring water onto the head of the candidate. It became a common form of baptism in the 10th century. It is commonly practiced in the Roman Catholic Church where it is believed that for baptism to be valid, the water that touches the candidate must be moving. Therefore, immersion in stagnant water bodies as well as sprinkling water onto the candidate’s head do not adequately demonstrate the washing away of the old. Resultantly, the Roman Catholic Church believes that immersion and aspersion are not valid modes of bapti...