The Use of Baptism in Christian Denominations

Christian denominations have huge differences on the teachings of Baptism. Some denominations believe that baptism washes away the sin while other regards it as a way of exorcism from evil and immoral spirits. . There are some denominations who consider it an essential step of obethence in one's life, yet merely an acknowledgment of the accomplished salvation experience. By itself, baptism has no power to save or clean from sin (Anonymous, p1).

Definition of baptism is “is "a rite of washing with water as a sign of religious purification and consecration." The Old Testament also informs about this practice. Old Testament treats baptism as an act of cleanliness and purification from the sins and devotions towards the Lord. The New Testament explains the significance of Baptism more clearly. God sent John to spread the news of coming of Jesus Christ. God directed John (John 1:33) to baptize people who believe on this message. John's baptism is known as “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." Mark 1:4 (NIV). Whether the baptism is done by sprinkling water on the forehead as practice by Catholic church or dunking a person completely under the water as practice common among Baptists, water is essential because of its symbolic qualities and because of its existence in the baptism of Jesus (Baughman, pp. 01).

The people whom John baptized accepted their sins and believed that they will be forgiven though the coming of Messiah. From that time, baptism is considered as an act of repentance, forgiveness and purification from the sin.

The Purpose of Baptism

1. Baptism identifies believers with Godhead.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" Matthew 28:19 (NIV).

2. Baptism identifies believers with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.

"We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" Romans 6:4 (NIV).

3. Baptism is an act of obethence for the true believers. Baptism is the point where a believer turndown all the sins to serve God. It means sacrificing one's will for the will of God.

"Peter replied, 'Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins " Acts 2:38, 41 (NLT).

4. Baptism is a public statement - the external confession of an internal experience

5. Baptism is representing the intense spiritual truth

Catholicism Denomination

In Catholic denomination, baptism is considered essential for salvation. The teaching of baptism dates back to the practices of Christians of the first century. Catholic Church states that "Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament" (Catholic Church pp. 1). These denominations say that a person has no hope of salvation if he knowingly ...