Baptism

• what is a sacrament?

  it is an outward sign of inward grace

  > They make visible for believers a special gift of grace
• what are the 7 sacraments?

  Baptism

  Confirmation

  Holy communion

  marriage

  Holy orders

  reconciliation

  anointing of the sick
• which denominations believe in 7 sacraments?

  catholic and Orthodox
• Quakers and Salvation Army


  don't use sacraments
• protestant churches


  Many Protestant Churches see baptism and Holy Communion as important rituals because they believe Jesus instructed them to undertake these
• other churches


  Some Churches that practice believers' baptism consider it an important ceremony but do not refer to it as a 'sacrament
• what do sacraments involve?

  symbolic actions

  words

  physical elements
• What do the sacraments do?

  > Sacraments are special rituals that strengthen their relationship with God by making him a part of their life

  > they also help affirm that Christians are part of the body of Christ, the church with all its responsibilities
• Baptism

  The ritual through which people become members of the Church.

  This involves water being poured over the head of the person being baptised.

  This water symbolises sin being washed away and the person entering their faith 'clean.
• Jesus's baptism

  > Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist

  > when he was baptised he saw the sky split open and Gods sprit looking down on him

  > and a voice said 'you are my son
• what did Jesus baptism do?

  it set an example for his followers to be baptised in order to receive the Holy Spirit and begin a new life in the Christian community
• baptism quote

  'Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son of the Holy Spirit
• infant baptism

  > Catholics and orthodox Christians would say everyone is a descendant of Adam and Eve who committed the first sin

  >Everyone - even a baby has a tendency to sin and needs salvation

  >Catholics and Orthodox Christians infant baptism removes this original sin

  > the child is welcomed into the church as soon as possible

  > the baby will go to heaven as their souls have been rid of original sin

  > devoted your whole life to God
• believers baptism

  > Baptists and Pentecostalists think a baby is too young to understand the meaning of baptism - so they should get baptised when they are old enough to come to the mature decision about their faith

  > Jesus was baptised when he was older

  > if it is your won choice, you make your own vows which makes it more meaningful

  > infants are too young to sin

  > shows your devotion to the religion and your willing to make that decision