...” Matthew 3:11 ESV, Baptism is found all over the New Testament. The definition of baptism is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. John the Baptist mentions that he will baptise in water, but someone mightier than he, will baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire. Baptism and the Spiritual gifts are the two major things that I will address. The argument that I will be looking at is the baptism...
Words: 983 - Pages: 4
...THEOLOGY RESEARCH PAPER The Purpose and Merits of Baptism V. King THEO350 24 November 2014 Is there a purpose behind baptism? This is a question that has been heatedly debated for decades by all religions. It is an extremely important question and carries significant meaning to those who believe and practice baptism. The Slavic word for baptism is “krst”, which in ancient German, its origin is derived from the word “kristen”.1 Kristen translates into making followers of Christ.2 The Greek word for baptize is baptizein, which translates to immerse.3 Whereas, the most commonly recognized Greek word for baptism is baptizó. There are many scriptures in the New Testament that provide the purpose of baptism. For a Christian, being baptized is an important step in a Christian’s life. It is a process of ridding one of sin so they can live their life according to God’s Will. John 3:15 tells that “Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” For Christians, they need to be baptized by a form of water in order to go to God’s Kingdom. ------------------------------------------------- Those who want to be baptized must accept and proclaim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. After He is accepted as the one and only Savior, the person is baptized by going under water in the same manner as John the Baptist. There are three main components that baptism stands for: death, burial and resurrection as Paul...
Words: 2642 - Pages: 11
...Water Baptism “Baptism points back to the work of God, and forward to the life of faith.” - J.A. Motyer Introduction Why is This Topic Important? The subject of water baptism is important for several reasons. First of all, it is a commandment of Jesus Christ and an important part of His great commission. Christ said, “… go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). It is obvious that if we do not properly understand or practice baptism, we are in danger of neglecting a very important desire of our Lord and Savior. Understanding the Bible’s teaching concerning water baptism is also important because we have an obligation to ensure that new converts to Christ understand the biblical view of baptism and its significance to their relationship with Christ. It would be very unfortunate for any believer to experience water baptism without really understanding its meaning. Finally, it is important to discuss this issue because there are a number of disagreements within Christianity related to baptism. Some of these are relatively minor, but others are extremely important and are worth some discussion. Section A will first discuss some introductory matters regarding the meaning of the word “baptism” and the different kinds of baptism in the New Testament (NT). Section B will cover specifically what the Bible teaches...
Words: 10506 - Pages: 43
...THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMAL REGENERATION: AN ANALYSIS OF ITS ASSOCIATION WITH THE RESTORATION MOVEMENT A Research Paper Submitted to Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Online In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course Systematic Theology II (TH 530-D09) By Justin Hartpence (23828793) May 12, 2013 THESIS STATEMENT This paper shall argue that this is an inaccurate depiction and seek to put forth the common view of baptism in the Restoration Movement as distinct from the common understanding of baptismal regeneration, while pointing to key factors that play a role in popular inaccuracies. TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 DEFINING REGENERATION 2 DEFINING BAPTISM 3 The Mode 3 The Subject 4 The Meaning 6 According to Classic Baptismal Regenerationists 7 According to Restoration Movement Theology 8 BAPTSIM AS THE OCCASION OF SALVATION 9 John 3:5 9 Titus 3:5 11 BAPTISM'S RELATION TO FAITH 12 CONCLUSION 14 SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY 15 INTRODUCTION Change: it is an inevitable fact of life. Whether it is plant, animal, human or thought nothing exists for very long without addition or subtraction of some kind. Unfortunately theology is not immune. One need only survey the history of Christianity to see this disconcerting fact. Like a pendulum, however, as theology sways outward from its starting point there are inevitably forces that pull it back. This happened most notably in the Reformation under the guidance of reformers...
Words: 4918 - Pages: 20
...Reflection Paper #2 Introduction On this reflection paper, the topics I choose were the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” and the “Rapture”. I choose these topics because they both bring topics of debate with them. There are many different views on these two topics and I will try to shed some light on them. Through Biblical research and theological definitions, we will try to discover the purpose and meanings of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the Rapture. The first topic of discussion is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This topic stirs up much debate in the denominational realms of the church. There are many different views and standpoints on this topic. John 1:33 states that when John the Baptist, after witnessing the descent of the Holy Spirit as a dove at the baptism of Jesus, recorded these words: “He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizes with the Holy Ghost”. Later Jesus promised His disciples, “Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:5). On the day of Pentecost, the disciples had a number of experiences involving the Holy Spirit, including the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The disciples spoke in tongues to address the gospel of Christ to many different nations in attendance of Pentecost. This event was the start of the church and its spread of the gospel of Christ to all nations. Many Christians today have confused...
Words: 1274 - Pages: 6
...Liberty University “Infant Baptism” A research paper submitted to Professor Seth Johnson In Partial Fulfillment of the requirements For THEO 350-D07 Liberty University Online By Jeffrey Robinson L21932989 Lynchburg, Virginia April 24, 2012 I did not come to the saving knowledge of the Lord until I was twenty-four years old. By this time I had two small children that were four years old and two months old. My wife was born and raised in the church. She wanted to get the children baptized. I did not know what that meant. So being the inquisitive new covert that I was, I went to the pastor and asked what the meaning of the infant baptism was. He explained that it was just an outward sign that I was going to raise my children in the church and the ways of Christ. I thought that was a great idea. Until this class, I did not know that there was any other reason than the one explained to me by my pastor nineteen years ago. The topic just never came up. Since I believe that this is the true reason I had my children baptized, this paper will try to argue that infant baptism is not for salvation purposes. I believe in true faith. I also believe that baptism can be an empty ritual. Through research and prayer, God has been teaching me about the church and the communal nature of faith. I have learned that a person’s view of the meaning of the sacraments, the Church, covenant theology, individualism, and God’s grace have a great deal to do with...
Words: 1883 - Pages: 8
...IDENTIFICATION: Identify the following. __________________1. The Greek word for “ Messiah- Anointed One”. __________________2. The most important characteristic of Fire . __________________3. It means both destruction and life for the Jew. __________________4. Stressed the importance of infant baptism. __________________5. Provided for the use of water in ritual cleansing. Test II. TRUE OR FALSE. Write True if the statement is correct and False if the statement is wrong. __________________1. The Holy Oil is used in baptism as an important symbol with profound meaning. __________________2. St. Augustine understood baptism as a drowning or a death and rebirth as a new being. __________________3. The rich symbolic anointing chrism reminds the Jew that his or her task is to walk in the footstep of Jesus. __________________4. The Petrine Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) all give accounts to Jesus Baptism. __________________5. Dead bodies were also anointed with oil as a preparation for burial. Test III. ENUMERATION. Enumerate the following 1-3 three things symbolized by Jesus’ baptism as asserted by the Theologian Bernard Cooke. 4-6 first group of sacraments: SACRAMENT OF INITIATION 7-8 third group of sacraments: SACRAMENT OF HEALING 9-10 second group of sacraments: SACRAMENT OF STATE OF LIFE/ COMMITMENT Name:___________________________ Date:_____________________ Time:____________________________ ...
Words: 443 - Pages: 2
...The Baptism Debate THEO 350 March 3rd, 2014 Introduction Over time there have been many discussions on the subject of baptism, through these discussions many questions have been brought up such as, what is the purpose of baptism? Are believers only allowed to receive a baptism or can infants receive them as well? A baptism is often seen as a sort of welcome or entry into the Christian church and different denominations of the church are separate on their meaning and understanding of what baptism is and what it should involve. This paper is going to explain what baptism as well as it is going to answer the many different questions that people find themselves or this sometimes confusing subject. Purpose In order to explain the purpose of a person being baptized, we must first start by understanding what baptism truly is. “The Greek word ‘baptizo” means to immerse, plunge, dip, or bury in water. The Greek word itself excludes it form meaning “sprinkling”.” Now when a person is baptized in water, the person’s body is completely immersed in water and then pulled out. When thinking about what this symbolizes for people, “it is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ” and then that person’s identification with Him in their body. There are many great examples in scripture when dealing with the subject of baptism. In Mark 1:4-5, the Bible talks about John the Baptist, “And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance...
Words: 2639 - Pages: 11
...Theological Meaning of Jesus’ Temptation Mark’s account on Jesus’ temptation is very brief. Most of the Mark account is found also in the Matthew and Luke versions, with the exception of "with the wild animals." According to the texts, after being baptized, Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the Judean Desert. During this time, the devil appeared to Jesus and tempted him three times. Jesus having refused each temptation, the devil departed and angels came and brought nourishment to Jesus. Matt.4:2 set the stage for the great temptation involving Jesus. “He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.” We immediately read, "The tempter approached him and said to him, if you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread" (vs. 3). The devil looks for the best time to tempt you and me. It may be when the Christian is without a job, is having family problems, or the local church is experiencing difficulties that the devil makes his appearance and appeal. But Jesus shows us that regardless of the circumstances surrounding us, we are able to overcome the devil. The devil quotes verbatim from the Septuagint translation regarding Psalms 91: 11, 12. While the devil correctly quotes the scripture, however, he does not correctly apply the teaching contained in Psalms 91: 11, 12 to the circumstances at hand. Hence, just because scripture is quoted does not necessarily mean the truth is being taught. Jesus both correctly quotes and...
Words: 1317 - Pages: 6
...The Baptism Debate The baptism debate remains central among Christians all over the world. It is one of the aspects that is considered to be a tenet in the Christina faith yet remains controversial in terms of significance. There are those who are of the view that baptism is only meant for infants. This is seen as a way of ushering them into the kingdom of God and the Christina faith. For others however, the baptism for infants is symbolic and there is need for a person to undergo a second baptism as an adult. The second baptism is said to signify the aspect of being born again and washing off the sinful nature. This debate has been raging for many yeas causing confusion in the Christian circles. This discussion seeks to examine both sides of the debate and ascertain the Biblical position on the issue. The Concept of Baptism Perhaps before looking at the concept of infant baptism versus adult baptism, it may be crucial to look at the entire concept as a whole. Baptism as concept is an act of cleansing that is done for purposes of washing off one’s sinful nature. It was therefore done symbolically to signify that one’s past has been washed off. One was therefore considered a new creature after going through baptism . The New Testament has covered quite extensively the issue of baptism. It begins with the Jesus Christ the Son of God. He approached John the Baptist and requested that he (John) should baptize Him. When Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened and God the father...
Words: 2087 - Pages: 9
...“The River” By Flannery O’Conner Analysis The Bible has and always will have the uncanny ability to express meanings and truths in personal and powerful ways. Magnificent stories that carry themes and lessons that are seen by some, but lost to others. In the short story “The River” by Mary Flannery O’Conner a similar approach was used. O’Conner uses the powerful symbolism and brilliant metaphor of The River to craft a story that dives deeply into the themes of Faith and Salvation that express her personal convictions on the secular and Christian world views. This is especially true in Harry’s baptism scene as well as the final scene that take place at the river. In the story “The River” Harry’s Parents seem to show little or no interest in him. Their life is consumed with entertainment and the social life. Harry is either left alone to fend for himself or stuck with baby sitters for long periods of time. On one particular occasion Harry ends up going to a religious gathering at a river with one of his babysitters Mrs. Connin. There he is taken into the water and baptized by bevel the preacher. He is told how much he “Counts” and is loved in the eyes of God. Upon returning home, Harry finds that his parents are having another party. Disappointed, he realizes that living with his parent’s is hopeless and he never will matter to them. Harry then decides to take matters into his own hands. He reflects on how wonderful it was at the river the day before. He leaves the...
Words: 1209 - Pages: 5
...Importance of Baptism and The Lord’s Supper A Paper Submitted to Dr. David Alexander In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Course CHHI 520 By Jonathan Ford- ID# 21712916 Submitted on 18 February 2013 Thesis Statement: Even though early believers in Christ kept their traditions of their Jewish forefathers they added the Christian components Baptism and the Lord’s Supper to their practice of worship. The most common action of the church is worship. Worship serves as a key component of Christian faith. To worship is to present the promise of covenant devotion to the Almighty, and to state our faithfulness as his servants. In understanding our worship today, it is important to understand what worship looked like in the earliest days of the church. Even though early believers in Christ kept their traditions of their Jewish forefathers they added the Christian components Baptism and the Lord’s Supper to their practice of worship. This research paper will examine the many definitions of worship. It will also provide glimpse of what worship was like in the early church. To help get an understanding of worship in the early church we must first examine the origin of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Pertaining to the origin of baptism, it is implied that while Christian baptism may have been commonly used by John the Baptist, baptism itself did not start off with Christians or John. This research paper will show that Jews practiced baptism as a customary...
Words: 443 - Pages: 2
...Running head: THE CHRISTIAN CALENDAR AND LIFE CYCLE The Christian Calendar and Lifecycle Robin Schroeder Tusculum College “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 New Living Translation) “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6) These two verses found in the Christian Scripture of the bible basically sum up the fundamental beliefs of Christians all over the world. With over two billion believers, Christianity is the largest of the world’s three major religions, and it is also the most widely spread religion geographically (“Christianity,” n.d.). Jesus Christ is at the center of Christianity and it focuses on His life events and His teachings. As a religion, Christianity is more than just a set of devout spiritual beliefs (“Christianity,” n.d.). It is also a complete way of life in which faith plays a huge role. In the Christian faith, there is only one God, and Jesus is the son of God—both human and God at once—born to a young virgin girl, Mary, and conceived of the Holy Spirit. Christians believe him to be the prophesied Messiah from Hebrew Scripture, and through His intervention and sacrifice on behalf of His children they are promised both salvation from their sins and also eternal life through His sacrifice on the cross. (R. Hughes, personal communication, January 12, 2013). ...
Words: 2797 - Pages: 12
...Dear Charles, Here's a possible rewrite of your thesis: "This paper will examine Augustine's teachings about 'conferred faith' upon infant during baptism. My claim is that Paul misrepresented Paul's teachings on the family's effect upon the holiness of the child." You'll find the "claim" in chapters 1-14 of Turabian's Manual, which is something that our rubric doesn't bring up, but I think it's a good technique. I notice that you have Greek written in Times New Roman font. I have seen other students do this. I have never been able to figure out how this is done. I notice that when I try to add a letter than it comes out in Latin script. These are quotations that you've pasted. This is amazing. I don't know how they do this! Let me know if you can help me! The only defect in this paper that I want to point out is that much of your paper is not really about Augustine's teaching on infant baptism. All subsequent developments of his teachings really have nothing to do with what happened in Augustine's head. Let's take Pannenberg as an example. He may have followers up there in Lutheran country where you minister. His ideas are influenced by Augustine, but Augustine was not a Lutheran. Some seem to think he was a Lutheran or a Calvinist, but they deceive themselves. You must, of course, take Paul into account because Augustine worked with Paul's writings. Paul was a source that Augustine used—or better, abused or misused, as you and argue. Students find it impossible to focus on one...
Words: 6374 - Pages: 26
...Seminary Book Critique: Believer’s Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ A Paper Submitted to Professor Larry McDonald In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Course Ecclesiology Theo 620 By Matt Dover September 8, 2012 Bibliography Believer’s Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ. Thomas R. Schreiner & Shawn D. Wright. Nashville: B & H, 2007. 359 pages. Reviewed by Matt B. Dover Authorship Thomas R. Schreiner is the professor of New Testament Interpretation and the Associate Dean of Scripture and Interpretation at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to this he served for 11 years at Bethel Theological Seminary, and he also taught New Testament at Azusa Pacific Seminary. Schreiner is the author of numerous books and articles. He is also the pastor of Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Shawn D. Wright is the Assistant Professor of Church History at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to this he served the Southern Baptist churches in New England. Wright also serves as the pastor at Clifton Baptist Church alongside Schreiner. He is also noted for writing various articles and journals. He also serves as a member of the Evangelical Theological Society. Thesis Statement The goal of this book is to recover and maintain an adequate and proper view on the role of baptism in the believer’s life and the church. It also seeks...
Words: 2138 - Pages: 9
