Affirms
Believer's baptism; Baptist ordinance; baptism by immersion on confession
Southern Baptist theology affirms Matthew 28:19 as the mandate for baptism administered to those who have made a personal profession of faith in Christ. Baptist polity requires believer's baptism (not infant baptism) administered by immersion. The BFM2000 (Article VII) affirms baptism as 'an ordinance of the Lord's Supper and the Lord Jesus Christ' and states that baptism is 'an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith' in Christ.
Baptism is not viewed as salvific but as a public declaration of faith and obedience. The Trinitarian formula reflects Baptist affirmation of the Trinity.
Key Distinctions
- Baptismal formula:
- ordinance (symbolic), not sacrament
- Baptism mode:
- immersion
- Baptism recipients:
- believers only; believer's baptism required
Scripture References
Sources
- Baptist Faith and Message 2000, Article VII (Baptism and the Lord's Supper)