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Adult Baptism
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What is Adult Baptism?
Baptism is a fundamental ritual of the Christian
Church. It is the symbolic start of the Christian
life. During baptism, the old life of a person is
symbolically washed away and they begin a new
life through Christ. It is one of the two
sacraments recognised by both the Protestant and
Catholic Churches. There are two types of
baptism- Adult and Infant. We will look at adult
baptism.
This type of baptism can go by different names
Adult baptism Believers baptism Credo baptism-
credo meaning I believe
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Who Baptises Adults?

• Different denominations practise different forms
  of baptism. Some practise Infant while others
  baptise only adults.
• Some examples of Churches that baptise only
  adults are
• Baptist
• Pentecostal
• Evangelical

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Why Adult Baptism?

• There are many reasons why some churches choose
  to only baptise adults
• Christians generally try to follow the example of
  Christ. Jesus was baptised as an adult so many
  Christians believe this is the correct form of
  baptism.
• Adult baptism allows the believer to make the
  decision for themselves. This is important and is
  demonstrated in the alternative names given to
  adult baptism (Believers and Credo baptism)
• Adults can personally give an oral testimony of
  their faith, children cannot.
• There is no biblical reference to children being
  baptised.
• Adult baptism also gives converts to Christianity
  the chance to join the faith.

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The Service
Some Christians feel they would like to follow in
Jesus footsteps completely and travel to the
River Jordon to be baptised. However the majority
of Christians are baptised in their local
church. Baptism in a church usually includes the
whole congregation. The person to be baptised
makes a declaration of the Christian faith in
front of the entire church. They will then
approach the pool. There will often be two set of
steps. They enter using one set and leave using
another. Once in the pool, the Priest/Minister
will address the person about the be
baptised. The Priest/Minister will then totally
immerge the person under the water. Once the
service is complete, the new Christian exits
leaving a different set of steps.
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Symbolism
Nothing physically changes for the recently
baptised person. However, The service of baptism
is full of symbolism and is a very spiritual time
for the person involved. All the symbols used in
the service have a significance
Symbol Significance
Wearing of white This symbolises purity and cleanliness.
Water This symbolises the washing away of sins and the start of a new Christian life.
Two sets of steps This represents the person leaving their old life of sin behind and embarking on a new journey of Christianity.
Total immersion This represents the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
(optional) Candles Symbolises Jesus light of the world and moving from darkness (sin) to light (God)