What is Baptism?

Teaching Summary: What is Baptism by Ps. Peter Eng

Ps. Peter Eng’s teaching on baptism provides a comprehensive understanding of its meaning, purpose, and significance in the Christian faith. Key points include:

Definition of Baptism:

• A declaration that Jesus is your Saviour and Lord.
• Performed with water.
• Conducted in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Connection to Faith:

• Baptism is an outward expression of inward faith.
• It signifies a commitment to follow Jesus and become His disciple.
• Without faith, baptism holds no spiritual significance.

Biblical Basis:

• Jesus’ baptism by John serves as an example, affirming the practice.
• Scriptures such as Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 2:38 emphasise baptism as a step of obedience and discipleship.
• It is also linked to spiritual rebirth and covenantal commitment, likened to Old Testament circumcision.

Practical and Symbolic Role:

• Baptism serves as a sign and seal of allegiance to God.
• It represents dying to self, being buried with Christ, and rising to new life.
• It is a public confession of faith, solidifying one’s identity as a Christian.

Who Should Be Baptized:

• Baptism is for those who believe in Christ. It is encouraged as soon as possible after faith is professed.
• Infant baptism, while debated, is historically practised in some traditions as a sign of covenant inclusion.

Mode and Practice:

• While immersion is historically significant and symbolically rich, sprinkling or pouring is also valid as long as the core elements are present.
• Re-baptism is generally unnecessary unless it is a public affirmation of faith for those baptized as infants.

Preparation for Baptism:

• Candidates are encouraged to share their faith journey and publicly confess their commitment to Christ.
• The act of baptism includes a declaration of repentance, faith in Jesus, and a commitment to a transformed life.

Ps. Peter concluded by emphasising baptism as a joyful step of obedience, marking one’s entry into the community of faith and commitment to living for Christ.

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