Changes

In the Protestant tradition, the water in John 3:5 is assumed to be the waters of birth and being born again refers to spiritual renewal.  Thus baptism becomes an ordinance performed after conversion, and is rarely administered to infants (paedobaptism).

In the Protestant tradition, the water in John 3:5 is assumed to be the waters of birth and being born again refers to spiritual renewal.  Thus baptism becomes an ordinance performed after conversion, and is rarely administered to infants (paedobaptism).

In the Reformed tradition, [[Presbyterian]] and others that hold to the [[Westminster Confession of Faith]], baptism is rightly administered to believing adults and the children of a believer, for a public confession and as a sign and seal of God's Covenant of Grace. <ref name="WCF"> The Westminster Confession of Faith for study classes by G.I.Williamson, 1964, pp207ff </ref> It is properly administered by dipping, sprinkling or pouring, but is not essential for salvation. <ref name="WCF"/> Prominent past theologians have taught this doctrine such as John Calvin <ref> Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin, 1536, trans. 1989, pp.512ff</ref>, as well as contemporary teachers such as R.C.Sproul <ref> Now, That's a Good Question!, R.C.Sproul, 1996, p124-5, 339-342,</ref>

In the Reformed tradition, [[Presbyterian]] and others that hold to the [[Westminster Confession of Faith]], baptism is rightly administered to believing adults and the children of a believer, for a public confession and as a sign and seal of God's Covenant of [[Grace]]. <ref name="WCF"> The Westminster Confession of Faith for study classes by G.I.Williamson, 1964, pp207ff </ref> It is properly administered by dipping, sprinkling or pouring, but is not essential for salvation. <ref name="WCF"/> Prominent past theologians have taught this doctrine such as John Calvin <ref> Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin, 1536, trans. 1989, pp.512ff</ref>, as well as contemporary teachers such as R.C.Sproul <ref> Now, That's a Good Question!, R.C.Sproul, 1996, p124-5, 339-342,</ref>

Significance and mode of baptism remain controversial subjects among evangelical Christians.

Significance and mode of baptism remain controversial subjects among evangelical Christians.