Topical Bible: Baptism: Confession of Sin Necessary To

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Topical Encyclopedia

Baptism, a sacrament of initiation into the Christian faith, is deeply rooted in the New Testament teachings and practices. It symbolizes the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. A critical aspect of baptism is the confession of sins, which is seen as a necessary step in the process of repentance and spiritual renewal.

Biblical Foundation

The necessity of confession of sins in relation to baptism is prominently highlighted in the ministry of John the Baptist. In the Gospel of Matthew, John the Baptist is described as preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 3:6 states, "Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River." This passage underscores the integral role of confession in the act of baptism, as individuals publicly acknowledged their sins before receiving the rite.

Similarly, in the Gospel of Mark, the connection between confession and baptism is reiterated. Mark 1:4-5 records, "John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People went out to him from all of Jerusalem and the countryside of Judea. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River." This account further emphasizes the practice of confessing sins as a preparatory step for baptism.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the confession of sins prior to baptism is seen as an acknowledgment of one's sinful nature and the need for divine grace. It is an act of humility and submission to God's will, recognizing that salvation and cleansing from sin come through faith in Jesus Christ. The confession is not merely a verbal admission but a heartfelt repentance, turning away from sin and turning towards God.

The Apostle Peter, in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, also links repentance and baptism. In Acts 2:38 , Peter declares, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Here, repentance, which includes the confession of sins, is presented as a prerequisite for baptism and the subsequent reception of the Holy Spirit.

Early Church Practice

The early Christian community continued to uphold the practice of confession in relation to baptism. The Didache, an early Christian document, instructs candidates for baptism to confess their transgressions before receiving the sacrament. This practice reflects the understanding that baptism is not merely a ritualistic act but a transformative experience that requires a sincere confession of sins.

Pastoral Implications

In pastoral settings, the confession of sins before baptism serves as a vital component of spiritual preparation. It allows individuals to confront their moral failings and seek God's forgiveness, paving the way for a genuine conversion experience. Pastors and church leaders often guide baptismal candidates through a process of self-examination and confession, ensuring that the act of baptism is accompanied by a true repentance and commitment to a new life in Christ.

Conclusion

The confession of sins as a necessary precursor to baptism is a well-established biblical and theological principle. It reflects the transformative nature of baptism as an outward sign of an inward change, marking the believer's entry into the Christian community and their new life in Christ. Through confession, individuals acknowledge their need for God's grace and prepare their hearts to receive the sacrament of baptism with sincerity and faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 3:6
And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether Confession is Necessary for Salvation?
... is evident in the case of Baptism, and applies ... Nevertheless the fact that confession
is necessary for salvation is ... bound after the remission of sin, is temporal ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether confession is necessary for.htm

Whether it is Necessary to have Contrition for Each Mortal Sin?
... Now one Baptism blots out all sins both actual and original. ... Further, contrition
is expressed by confession. But it is necessary to confess each mortal sin. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is necessary to 2.htm

B. The Baptism of Jesus. Ch. 3:21, 22
... Son of God, submit to the baptism of John, a baptism of repentance ... to attest the
message which declared that repentance and confession of sin are absolutely ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the baptism of jesus.htm

Whether one is Bound to Confess at Once?
... or some like motive, the delay will be a mortal sin, but otherwise not: and the
same seems to apply to confession which is not more necessary than Baptism. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether one is bound to.htm

Whether it is Necessary for one to Confess to One's Own Priest?
... or if the penitent has to confess a sin committed against ... lawful for one priest to
hear the confession of another's ... as is evident with regard to Baptism and so ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is necessary for 8.htm

On Confession
... forget to say your penance, your confession is not ... remits the eternal punishment
due to sin, but it ... Remember that Baptism differs from Penance in this respect ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 19 on confession.htm

The Phenomena at the Baptism, and their Import.
... It is seen more strongly still in the kerugma Petrou, according to which Christ
made his confession of sin before the baptism, but was glorified ...
/.../section 42 the phenomena at.htm

Confession of the Free-Will Baptists. AD 1834, 1868.
... conviction, a penitential sorrow, an open confession, a decided ... the soul is cleansed
from all sin, and wholly ... evidence of faith, and receiving baptism and the ...
/.../confession of the free-will baptists.htm

Whether in Every Case the Priest is Bound to Hide the Sins which ...
... he seems to raise a suspicion of sin, and so to ... the person baptized be insincere,
yet his Baptism is a ... of the sacrament on that account, so confession does not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether in every case the.htm

Baptism unto Repentance
... Nile, the Abana, the mysterious power of cleansing away sin. ... baptize; that the idea
of his baptism was "from ... so that God had accepted its confession and choice ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/vi baptism unto repentance.htm