What is Baptism?
Now, we’re going to wade into some controversy. There’s no way around it. Not all Christian churches view baptism the same way.
In the Presbyterian church, we see baptism as a covenant act. Covenant sounds a bit theological, so let me start by explaining what we mean. A covenant is a commitment that is made. We Presbyterians believe that, when someone is baptized, either as an infant or an adult, God makes a commitment to be there for that individual, to love that individual and guide that individual.
We believe that baptism is a promise from God. When an individual is baptized, that person is invited to enter into a relationship with God and with his church.
When parents baptize their children, they make a commitment that they will teach their child about God’s love and his promise.
When adults accept baptism, they make a commitment to build their relationship with God.
When a church accepts an individual’s baptism, whether that individual is an infant or an adult, that church is making a commitment to help nurture the relationship between that individual and God. It is through baptism that a person becomes a member of God’s church.
This is why the Presbyterian church does not demand that an adherent (someone who believes), be baptized into membership, if that individual has been baptized in another Christian church. Baptism is not a destination. It’s merely a departure point. It’s the place where the journey begins.
