Is it for the newly baptised, or for God, or for other people?
2007-06-13 09:22:59 · 23 answers · asked by sparty035 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
td - read Matthew 28:19
2007-06-13 10:47:43 · update #1
It's not just an outward sign. Who says that?
It cleanses us of the stain of original sin.
We believe that baptism with water -- by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling -- in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, cleanses us from original sin and personal sin (and their punishments) and initiates us into the life of the Church. It is more than merely symbolic; it's more than an expression of belief of the one being baptized (or his parents); it is a Sacrament, both a sign and medium of sanctifying grace. Baptism does something; it remits sins.
2007-06-13 09:33:52 · answer #1 · answered by Misty 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Baptism, like the other Sacraments, is not "only" an outward sign; rather, it is an EFFECTIVE outward sign: it effects what it signifies. Baptism signifies cleansing, through the use of water and the words, "I baptize [cleanse] you. . . ." And it effects that cleansing by washing away original sin and any sin committed by the baptized person, presuming s/he has contrition for his/her sins. So, primarily, Baptism is a sign for the one who is baptized.
Baptism is also a sign for anyone who witnesses the baptism. Since in many Christian churches, infants are baptized, they are unable to recognize or realize the sign and its effects. But for parents, godparents and others who are present, the sign of baptism gives assurance that sin is washed away.
Because sin is washed away and the gift of God's grace is given, the one baptized becomes a "blood member" of the family of God in Jesus, sharing God's life. That, too, is understood as a result of the effectiveness of baptism both by the newly-baptized adult and/or by those present at any baptism.
2007-06-13 17:03:01 · answer #2 · answered by Sebastian 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Baptism is a sign for the newly baptized and those watching. It is a sign of inward cleansing from sin by the Holy Spirit applying the merits of Christ to the believer.
2007-06-13 16:26:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being saved is defititely a personal thing. Being baptised into a church serves mostly as an outward profession of faith. Part of being a Christian is telling others about Christ, so this helps by letting others know where you stand in your walk with Jesus and gives you a better support system and other Christians who can help you along the way.
2007-06-13 16:27:33 · answer #4 · answered by Brooke P 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's not a sign, its a ritual. It is the first ritual, (other than circumcision) where a child is initiated into a religious practice. The ritual is a practice which displays the parents' intent to raise the child within the constraints represented in the tenents of the religion
I don't believe in god, but was raised in a religious home. The rite of baptism is a ritual to remove "original sin", which christians believe a child is born with. So, christian parents have their children baptized for god, their social group, and to show their acceptance of the responsibility expected of them by their preferred religion.
2007-06-13 16:38:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is not only an outward sign. it is required for salvation.
"Baptism . . . now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ"
John 3:5: "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
Acts 2:38, where Peter says, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
2007-06-13 16:32:28 · answer #6 · answered by SpiritRoaming 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is not a sign for anyone.
baptism is not an "outward sign of an inward belief".
that is another false teaching!!
it is not ever referred to in scripture that way.
scripture tells us exactly ...
acts 2:38 says ... Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
baptism has a purpose!
scripture says baptism is necessary "for the remission of sin".
read closely... it also says "baptism in the name of Jesus Christ" .. not "in the father, son, & Holy Ghost." (these are only titles, which have no power to remit sin. the name that has the power to forgive is "Jesus". it is His blood that covers those sins. if you were not baptized the bible way, you should seriously consider it.)
2007-06-13 17:30:47 · answer #7 · answered by t d 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its original intent was much like that of a marriage ceremony. You don't need a preacher or a peice of paper to tell you that you're married, but somehow the act of getting married solidifies it in your mind, makes it more real. Baptism is the same. You don't need to be baptised to know your god accepts you and that you accept him, but it solidifies it in your mind.
2007-06-13 16:30:51 · answer #8 · answered by lupinesidhe 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is only a ceremony to confess you are under the god control or follow the god steps to do. It is only a hope of dreams.
2007-06-13 16:26:09 · answer #9 · answered by johnkamfailee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we the child went Thur the sea on dri land moss told then to build a atarer to show others that this happen .when we get saved its a way of doing the same thing so when you see it or rember it you can say i was buried with christ on that day hope this help. it for all you see and a place yiu say to GOD on this day i was with you
2007-06-13 16:34:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋