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 person, to love that person and guide that person.
"I baptize you, in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit". These are the words that a minister says. When saying this, a minister is announcing the gift that God has given and identifying who is giving that gift: "the father, the son, and the holy spirit".
Baptism is something that an you receive, not something that you do.
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 have their child baptized, 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 and it is through baptism that a person becomes part of the family of God.
If you have already been baptized in a Christian church, then you are a member of the family of God, regardless of which church. This is what the Presbyterian church believes, and 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.
