A Charismatic Theology Of Baptism

Charismatics tend to practice believer's baptism and to maintain the practices of the worship traditions in which they stand. They distinguish between water baptism and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The rite of baptism has been interpreted in various ways by the church throughout history: as a sacrament that imparts grace; an ordinance acted out in obedience; an essential element for salvation; a sign of Christian commitment; or a symbol of identification with Christ. The modes of baptism have also differed, involving total immersion, pouring, or sprinkling. The early church found its roots for Christian baptism in the purification rites of Judaism, the baptism of Jewish proselytes, and the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. As the church continued to develop its practices, the issue of baptism always remained in the forefront both in terms of method and meaning. The Reformation was the beginning point for some parts of the church to change their view of baptism from sacrament…