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→Salvific Power of Baptism
==Salvific Power of Baptism==
The view that baptism is one rational and personal affirmation of faith is called [[Credobaptism]] and is shared by most Baptists and most and Evangelicals today. One can rightfully claim that the postion known as Credobaptism is a "recent" invention, rather than the position of the 1st century Church. Furthermore, this position is not shared by the Orthodox Church since the the New Testement in several areas specifically teaches that baptism is a rebirth, a nessity for salvation, and has the ability to wash away sins. For example:
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16
"Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'How can someone be born when they are old?' Nicodemus asked. 'Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!' Jesus answered, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit'." John 3:3-5
"And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins,calling on his name." Acts 22:16
"And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:11
===Personal Death Within Christ===
The Church has always taught that the means of baptism's power to give rebirth is that of a personal death in Christ. By taking part in the rite of baptism, one is actually mystically dying within Christ and is then being resurrected with him. Support of this, the New Testement proclaims:
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 6:4
"for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." Gal. 3:27
"And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death." Colossians 2:12
===The Family As One Flesh===
==Possible Biblical References==
Though there is no direct examples of infants being baptized in the Bible, there are numerous indirect references.
