Who do Baptists baptise?

Answer 1

Baptists believe in baptism, but only for adults. They also don't believe that baptism saves -- they say that baptism is symbolic of the commitment a person has made to God (and therefore Christ) to follow Him. Therefore, since they believe that only adults can make such a commitment, they do not allow babies or young children to be baptized and require adults who convert from other churches to be rebaptized (or baptized for real, from their point of view).

You should understand that while Catholics, Lutherans, and other sacramental Christians view baptism as part of God's grace, Baptists view baptism as a work of faith. Since they view baptism as a work, it therefore cannot save, despite the words of Jesus (Mark 16:16) and St. Peter (I Peter 3:21).

Finally, Baptists believe that infants cannot have faith until their minds are developed to understand the teachings of Scripture, despite the words of Jesus (Mark 9:42). Therefore, they teach that children are saved apart from faith (the actual mechanism is disputed) until they are capable of faith.

Answer 2

Baptist's views on baptism: Baptism is first a transliteration of the word since we didn't have a word for it in English. It means to be surrounded and engulfed. Baptists feel that the act of baptism is an outward demonstration of the love of God engulfing and surrounding them. It is also a following of Jesus since John the Baptist did it to him.

Baptists do not believe that it is necessary for salvation. The example used is the thief on the cross was not baptised yet Jesus said, "Today you will be in Paradise."

The reason baptists follow this action is an act of obedience to the Word of God.

Answer 3

Baptists baptize anyone who wants to profess their beliefe in the Christian faith before other Christians, usually the members of the church.