Methodist Church Vs Baptist Church

It is a common fact in today’s society that many persons believe that religion has brought about more division rather than unity, more harm rather than good. The Christian Church is primarily known for its numerous separations. Christianity is partitioned into several different denominations, of which the Methodist Church and the Baptist Church form a part of. Both of these denominations do contain similarities as well as differences that set them apart. Some of these similarities include they both believe in the Triune God, meaning three persons in one; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They both believe that Jesus died for the sins of all and that and as a result of this all men have access to salvation. However, although they have similarities,

Similarly both recognize the same two sacraments however their views on each differ greatly. The Methodists believe that Baptism is for all, while the Baptists on the other hand view baptism as only being fit for confessing youth and young adults. Baptism is a witness and a testimony to the covenant, since it is naturally and properly the first Christian act of the believer after an exercise of saving faith. It certifies therefore to the acceptance of Christ, and the union and fellowship of the renewed soul with its Saviour. It becomes a badge of discipleship, and is, in that sense, a seal of the covenant of grace ( Hiscox, 1980,

This saving faith shows Godly repentance for sin. There has never been any evidence in the New Testament which supports baptism of unconscious infants, nor of unbelieving persons. Neither does it state that children can inherit salvation from their parents. Each person must believe for his or her self in order to be saved. In order to be baptized one must first believe. How then can an unconscious infant be baptized if he or she does not have the ability to believe? In the New Testament a major prerequisite for baptism is believing. In the book of Acts chapter eight verse twelve states that, “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” In the book of Acts chapter two verse forty-one goes on to state that, “Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized.” In addition to this Mark 16:16 King James Version says, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” This proves that none but believers were baptized. According to an article entitled, “Basics of Baptism” (n.d.), “Baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace; it represents what takes place in the soul of one who believes in Jesus Christ” (para. 3). If baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace, then it can have no