Thinking of becoming Baptist

[New_Found_Faith]

Hey guys. I was raised Catholic and I've recently become very interested in other denomonations of Christianity.

Just wondering about the 'conversion' process if there is any, I would really appreciate any info any one has to share.

yours in christ :holy:
sean

[holyrokker]

I would recommend taking several months before deciding on one particular denomination. Visit a few churches several times eaach and talk with the pastors about your desire.

some good demoninations would be:

Calvary Chapel http://www.calvarychapel.com
Evangelical Covenant http://www.covchurch.org
Church of God (Anderson, IN branch) http://www.chog.org
Christian Missionary Alliance http://www.cmalliance.org
EV Free http://www.efca.org

[Epiphoskei]

"Baptist" isn't a denomination in the sense that Catholicism, Lutheranism, Anglicanism, etc., are. You can call it a denomination I suppose, but it's not quite the same thing.

There isn't much more to conversion to baptist than there is conversion to christianity. Christians who practice a typical protestant faith with congregational church government and believer's immersion are baptists. Some of us gather in churches which we call baptist. But really, there's very little that seperates us from all other congregational evangelical christians.

There's a sticky in this baptist sub-forum that says somthing like "references about baptists" or somthing like that. That's a pretty good introduction about baptists, but remember that there are all kinds of different beliefs within individual Baptist churches. The common denominators are protestant-ish doctrine, congregational government, and believer's baptism.

[Project 86]

Hey guys. I was raised Catholic and I've recently become very interested in other denomonations of Christianity.

Just wondering about the 'conversion' process if there is any, I would really appreciate any info any one has to share.

yours in christ :holy:
sean

A Baptist church would be a good fit for you if:

1. You believe that Baptism or any kind of works do not play a part in your salvation. In other words you must believe that faith alone in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins is what saves. Faith is not only necessary to salvation but is sufficient.

2. Have or are willing to have a believer's baptism. Infant baptism won't do.

3. Believe that the Bible is the primary way that God leads his children today.

4. Believe that praying to saints is unbiblical.

5. Believe that communion is not really Jesus' blood and flesh but represents him.

[BereanTodd]

To answer the question more directly (Project86 touched on it), if you accept the basics of the baptist faith, then the only process to joining a baptist church is to profess your faith in Christ, and ask to join. We do teach that believer's baptism is the proper thing to do, and is an act of submission to Christ's commands and as such SHOULD be done. However it is not required for membership at most baptist churches (none that I have been a part of in my life).

[Abbadon]

How to become a Baptist:
Join a baptist church, get baptised. If you're curious whether this would cancel out your membership in the Catholic church, the answer will vary from Baptist to Baptist as it probably would from Catholic to Catholic.

A Baptist church would be a good fit for you if:

1. You believe that Baptism or any kind of works do not play a part in your salvation. In other words you must believe that faith alone in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins is what saves. Faith is not only necessary to salvation but is sufficient.

2. Have or are willing to have a believer's baptism. Infant baptism won't do.

3. Believe that the Bible is the primary way that God leads his children today.

4. Believe that praying to saints is unbiblical.

5. Believe that communion is not really Jesus' blood and flesh but represents him.

Not really,

1. That's true for most Christian denominations.

2. The theology behind infant baptistm isn't the same as believer's baptism. Infant baptism is just the congregation saying "we accept this kid," Believer's baptism is the believer saying "I accept this congregation." The two aren't contrary. The Baptist church is for believer's baptism, but while many Baptists have said no to infant baptism, it doesn't make it a Baptist position.

3. If I remember correctly, the Catholic church holds that they use tradition as a secondary and complementary source, as a Calvinist would say he holds Calvinism.

4. The Baptist church doesn't actually have a stance on this. Asking living members of the church to pray on your behalf is Biblical. Since the saints died in Christ, they're still alive, just non-corporeal.

5. The Baptist church doesn't actually have a stance on this one either. The Catholic Catechism states that the change in transubstantiation is in "substance, not species," it's like changing a copper bar to a iron bar, it's still bars but it isn't a copper one. The difference between this and Luther's (who's respected by plenty of Baptists) view of consubstanciation (it is both flesh & blood and bread & wine) is just philosophical hair-splitting about whether something is defined by the basic substance it is made from or from the substance's shape. As for representation, since there is no empirical evidence for spirits, spirits are more akin to ideas, so representation means that the bread and wine are flesh and blood in spirit. Since we continue on spiritually after dying physically, the spirit is the basic substance of who we are. All three views (transubstantiation, consubstantiation, and representation) are just saying that it is the flesh and blood in spirit, anything beyond that is philosophical hairsplitting.

To answer the question more directly (Project86 touched on it), if you accept the basics of the baptist faith

The only ones he touched on were the Bible as the primary authority and the requirement of believer's baptism to join the congregation.

[New_Found_Faith]

How to become a Baptist:
Join a baptist church, get baptised.

even if you've already been baptised?

[Epiphoskei]

There's the one thing about baptists. Nearly all baptist churches do not believe that a bath given to an infant constitutes a baptism. Most modern evangelical churches belive that only believers should be baptized. Baptists usually go a step further and say that only the believer can be baptized- that children who are sprinkled have never been baptized. Most will require all members to give a date of their "baptism by immersion."

Not all though. I know of at least one in my vicinity that doesn't care so much.

[Logus]

I was raised Catholic as well. I believe I truly became a Christian thru my step-father (then dating my mother) and our going to church with him at the local Southern Baptist Church. I've considered myself a Baptist since then, and it's been almost 24 years since my conversion and baptism.

Now, in my case, in some respects I didn't have a choice, but that said, as an adult I do, and yet I remain within the SBC, or rather I still feel that my personal beliefs are more congruent with the SBC than some other denomination, though I have occassionally wondered how I might feel about conservative Mennonites or Evangelical Free churches.

In the case of my salvation, I don't recall too much of a long drawn out process. My mother and I had been attending the church for several months or maybe a year. I'd been going to the Sunday School classes and probably some of the other services and events. Though my step-father and then mother (who got saved a few months before I did) were certainly witnessing to me and teaching me, there was no force put upon me, just frank discussion. The moment I realized I needed salvation was during a youth movie night being held at the church. I talked with my parents and later the pastor. I was baptized a couple of months later on my 11th birthday.

I don't know your situation, how free you are to visit churches, but I'd recommend visiting churches. Contact the youth minister and ask questions. Above all, I'd think it'd be right to involve your parents. Perhaps it might be better to wait until you're 18 as we're to honor our parents.

Talking to the Youth Minister will help you get involved into the Youth ministry there. That will help you build relationships as well as begin teaching you about their church and that particular denomination of Baptists (there are quite a number of Baptist denominations, some conservative, some not). Some churches also have a series of classes for those interested in joining and/or becoming a Christian.

I can just about bet that being a Catholic and a child/teen, they are going to want to talk to your parents and/or certainly tell you that you aren't saved, or if you are (by evidence thru personal discussions with a minister), they'll state that you need to be baptized.

In the Baptist Denomination as far as I'm aware there is no infant baptism. It's all about choice and an affirmation of faith, thus anyone becoming a Christian or potentially even coming from another denomination is most probably going to be expected to get baptized as an affirmation of salvation.

"Shop" around. I'd recommend visiting several local churches before settling down, and even then there's nothing saying you can't change your mind later. Sometimes you can't find out easily or quickly all the intracacies, flaws and potential problems of a particular church until you've been there for a while and gotten to know it well.

[Logus]

even if you've already been baptised?

It depends. Where and when did you get baptized?

If as an infant or very young child in the Catholic church, you'll be effectively required to get baptized to join the church and only after you've proven to the minister(s) that you're already saved or wish to be saved.

If you've been baptized at another Baptist church or even another denomination as a child and of your own volition, then the particular Baptist church may forego baptism.

Typically what is done amongst Baptist churches is a "letter". When you get baptized at a Baptist church you become a member. If you move to another area but continue going to the same denomination but different church and wish to become a member there, you can request that your membership be "moved". In most respects it's really just symbolic. By that letter you're telling the new congregation that you are saved and have been baptized elsewhere. The letter is your "proof". Membership allows you to vote in business meetings and partake in some aspects of church-life, specifically leadership roles.

Baptists see baptism as purely symbolic, thus membership and the letter are an extension of that. Verification of your salvation, just as much as the written record in the Catholic baptismal record of your local diocese made you effectively a Catholic.

As for whether you could still consider yourself a Catholic and a Baptist at the same time and whether or not the two denominations would consider you under joint membership is up for debate. Doctrinally both would say you cannot hold joint membership, though individuals from either denomination and some who've converted from one to another may well see it as plausible.

[holyrokker]

How to become a Baptist:
Join a baptist church, get baptised.


even if you've already been baptised?
Ah, that's one area where I differ with my Baptist brethren.

Baptists insist upon "believers" baptism. Somehow, infant baptism isn't valid.

At the same time, however, most Baptists seem to think that baptism is only symbolic.

If it's only symbolic, then there's no need to insist upon someone being baptized again.

[Abbadon]

Baptists insist upon "believers" baptism. Somehow, infant baptism isn't valid.

At the same time, however, most Baptists seem to think that baptism is only symbolic.

If it's only symbolic, then there's no need to insist upon someone being baptized again.

I agree that baptism isn't necessary for salvation, or for membership at a Baptist church. Traditionally, believer's baptism is about the only thing that seperates anabaptists/baptists from other denominations. Not getting baptised would be like me (an Arminian) joining a Presbyterian (Calvinist) church. I'm cool with stuff like that, but most folks wouldn't be.

[ImmersionX]

As a former member of the RCC for 22 years or so....and now being a Baptist in my faith I hope this helps. I currently attend a Southern Baptist Church, I started going back to church after much research and visiting numerous types of churches, prayer and contemplation in 1996. I even purchased a book called "The Handbook of Denominations in America, 9th edition".
So it took me 4 years to come to my decision. I was baptized as a believer in a Baptist Church that associated with the Baptist Missionary Association of America(BMAA), different from the SBC(southern baptist convention) in minor things.
Baptists are numerous in sub-denominations(this is a basic label of distinction of the many associations of churches), from Primative Baptists to General Baptists and everything in between.
This link will help I hope, and may be a bit overwhelming at first....there are so many different association bodies of the Baptist Church:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptists

As an "religion/faith/church" as we have known such as the Roman Catholic Church as one big entity, the "baptist church" is much different in governmental and procedural existence. The main point I mean here is that baptist churches are autonomous completely in everything. A baptist church does not answer to anyone group, person(like a pope or bishop), except Jesus Christ, the head of the church.

I mean this as literal as one can take that statement. We have no Pope, but Jesus Christ Himself.
I recommend reading a book called:
The Baptist Way: Distinctives of a Baptist Church by R. Stanton Norman.
The author is southern baptist, but this book can apply to the majority of baptist sub-denominations in my honest opinion.

The distinctives of a Baptist church are:

1.) Biblical Authority, there is nothing we need but the Bible to know the truth and cross of our Lord.

2.) The Lordship of Christ, we do not need a Pope, or anyone besides Him for leadership in the church.

3.) A regenerate church membership <-----the big one here...becoming a "born-again" christian, one who feels the Spirit leading to a new life with Christ, then with believer's baptism. This means that one's baptism proceeds salvation, ie baptism does not "wash away your sins" nor is it a requirement of salvation. It is commanded in the bible by our Lord Jesus Christ and reiterated a lot by the Apostles. The RCC and a lot of the Churches of Christ do believe this fallicy. Believe me when I state that this was one of the most difficult concepts to undertand fully, and it took me the longest time, after years of research, and prayer and study of the bible and many many commentaries to come up to my faithful conclusion to what I truely believe regarding baptism.

4.) Church Discipline---biblical congregational discipline, with even excommunication as the very last result for the unrepentant member. Just like the Catholic church in their version of excommunication. Guided by Paul's words in 1 Corinthian chapter 5. With the sole result by a church being to lovingly guide a lost member back to Christ, and to repent for said sin(could be anything from breaking a church rule, which should be stated in it's local profession of faith, or bylaws, etc to being in a public scandal that makes the church look bad in the eyes of the public and in the eyes of God biblically)
Now I must say this, my church practices biblical discipline....don't let that scare you away...some do some don't. Just read 1 Corinthians 5 and look up in a good bible commentary or study bible the subject. It's all meant in true Christian Love and not to berrate or humiliate the person needing it, unless the person is totally unrepentant, then well you get the boot. Paul in his epistles laid out a very good groundwork for how a church should/needs to do this. Church discipline involves "loving accountibility" to the membership.

5.) Congregational Polity, ie each church runs itself and only itself in everyway.

6.) Ordinances of a Baptist Church: the Lord's Supper, as many people have stated here....NOT like the RCC take on it being transubstantiation, but in honor of the Lord's command to do it in rememberance of Him. Believer's Baptism...just as other's have stated: you are saved first, than you get baptized as our Lord commanded of us to show our outward sign of the inward change in our saving grace received by God.
Note: some Free-Will Baptist Churches practice the ordinance of Foot Washing.

7.) Religious Freedom, this is a big distintive as well, and historically baptists are well known for this basic concept. Seperation of church and state to put it plainly.

Read this book if you will, I bet a lot of your questions will be answered, also attend a few churches.....and request a short meeting with the pastor and I bet that will be the biggest help of all.

Now you may say to yourself: wait, a lot of churches believe in these things...but historically the baptist churches have believed in ALL of these distincitives all of the time. The combination of the list of them all being put into practice all of the time is what truely makes a Baptist Church..."baptist". :thumbsup::amen::clap:

Now these few suggestions listed are my own, personal observations and feelings regarding "little" things, that some may consider big things, as do I for some:

a.) Avoid any Baptist church that insists on using the King James Version of the bible ONLY! Leads to idolatry.(this means that if you use an NIV, NASB, NKJV, etc....they tell you NO and to get a new bible or get another church, and believe me it happens and most advertise this on their outside signage!)

b.) Avoid any Baptist church that doesn't require a member to have either a "letter of transfer from another like minded church", or a "statement of faith that you have had Believer's Baptism", a lot of churches do this cause for one they won't think you a liar that you have been baptised as a regenerate believer, and two lot's of churches lose records. It happened to me with my current church, they asked for a letter from my old church I attended 10 years ago(I backslid bigtime and that's another post in and of itself) and the response was that I wasn't ever recorded in the books, but I know I was dunked! lol.

c.) Avoid any Baptist church that has a "seeker-sensitive" agenda, ie they don't preach to the congregation the Word of God, but preach about how God will help new people come to the church.

d.) Now this one is just for informational purposes only: if you visit a church with a name with the word "Independent" in it...it's fine. But, there is no difference truely than a church that associates with the Southern Baptist Convention.....my church is an "SBC" church, but relies on the association for truely nothing at all, and now the only reason we as a church are still in the SBC is due to tradition and mindset of the older folks in the membership.(Baptist churches actually have monthly/quarterly business meetings with voting and everything about all things in the church)

ALL true Baptist Churches are totally independent of on another! Anyone who tells you otherwise doesn't know what he/she is talking about. Any church you decide to visit who tells you that they are independent and in reality answer to a mission board, or any other hierarchy should not have the word "Baptist" in it's name. I know I'm gonna catch flak for this statement but traditionally this is only true.

I'll pray for your journey, and don't rush things in your decision. I came to become a Baptist from lot's of research, prayer and a true discernment of what I actually believed after 20+ years of being spoon fed the Roman Catholic faith. My family is still Roman Catholic, ie sister, mom and dad, aunts, uncles, etc.(big italian catholic family! lol). They do however respect my religious choice and don't resent me for this. I'm not sure if I would honestly care after all these years.


DISCLAIMER: When I typed this I didn't realize the OP was a teenager. But, the OP seems very inquisitive in faith in general so I do not think anything that I posted could be misconstued as harmful to the OP or to the parental relationship in the OP's current circumstance!!!! Honor you father and your mother!!!!

You'll know when the time is right.


Peace and God Bless.

[Logus]

Ah, that's one area where I differ with my Baptist brethren.

Baptists insist upon "believers" baptism. Somehow, infant baptism isn't valid.

At the same time, however, most Baptists seem to think that baptism is only symbolic.

If it's only symbolic, then there's no need to insist upon someone being baptized again.

It makes sense on the surface, but if denominations have doctrinal disagreements with other denominations, then by their very nature they'll invalidate the baptism or salvation of a person from another denomination as par for the course. Is it right? :confused: But as a public affirmation, if one is accepting Christ as Lord in a particular church/denomination and they'd previously been attending another church/denomination, then most probably, they may not have considered themselves "true" Christians to begin with at the prior denomination, thus even if they had been previously baptized at that earlier church/denomination, then in effect they themselves have invalidated that baptism, just as much as their new church/denomination invalidates it. The baptism is no more than a public affirmation and assurance; a proof. And on the whole, I think a quibble to argue against re-baptism, especially if one believes that they really hadn't been saved (a Christian) before-hand.

[holyrokker]

It makes sense on the surface, but if denominations have doctrinal disagreements with other denominations, then by their very nature they'll invalidate the baptism or salvation of a person from another denomination as par for the course. Is it right? :confused: But as a public affirmation, if one is accepting Christ as Lord in a particular church/denomination and they'd previously been attending another church/denomination, then most probably, they may not have considered themselves "true" Christians to begin with at the prior denomination, thus even if they had been previously baptized at that earlier church/denomination, then in effect they themselves have invalidated that baptism, just as much as their new church/denomination invalidates it. The baptism is no more than a public affirmation and assurance; a proof. And on the whole, I think a quibble to argue against re-baptism, especially if one believes that they really hadn't been saved (a Christian) before-hand.
I have no problem with an individual who, for example, was bapitzed as an infant in the RCC, late coming to Christ and seeking baptism.

I do, however, have a problem with a church telling this person that they need to be re-baptized.

[Logus]

Well, that's denominations for you... and many get caught up in such stuff which basically amounts to legalism. I can understand their reasoning for it, such as I've laid out, but as with many things, it can get blown out of proportion and seem redundant if not offensive.

Baptists aren't alone in such denominational attitudes and actions towards potential new members, let alone persons from other denominations.

But if goes back to public proofs, and if a particular denomination or church disagrees with another denomination or church on one or more doctrinal issues which they believe are important concerning salvation and faith, then it's understandable that they might disregard the baptism of someone from a prior denomination or church.

[JCFantasy23]

I am confused about all the references of honoring mother and father. Don't mean to step on toes, but he is 17, more than old enough to know his own faith. I would never keep with the faith of my parents if it was against my beliefs. I think God wants us all to find our own way if he is showing us differently, whether we are minors or not.

[WarEagle]

How to become a Baptist:
Join a baptist church, get baptised. If you're curious whether this would cancel out your membership in the Catholic church, the answer will vary from Baptist to Baptist as it probably would from Catholic to Catholic.

Unless you're excommunicated, you stay on Roman Catholic church rolls until you ask to be taken off. I've heard a couple of people say that it was a real fight to have themselves taken off, even though they left Roman Catholicism many years before.

[WarEagle]

I have no problem with an individual who, for example, was bapitzed as an infant in the RCC, late coming to Christ and seeking baptism.

I do, however, have a problem with a church telling this person that they need to be re-baptized.

Having water sprinkled on your head as a baby isn't baptism so, technically, they wouldn't be telling him to be re-baptized, but baptized for the first time.

[WarEagle]

Ah, that's one area where I differ with my Baptist brethren.

Baptists insist upon "believers" baptism. Somehow, infant baptism isn't valid.

At the same time, however, most Baptists seem to think that baptism is only symbolic.

If it's only symbolic, then there's no need to insist upon someone being baptized again.

"Paedobaptism" isn't baptism at all. The purpose of baptism is to symbolize being crucified with Christ and raised to new life in Him.

A baby cannot make that decision to be crucified or to repent of his sins.

Sprinkling water on a baby's head isn't baptism. It's just making a wet baby.

[Caedmon]

Small world. I went from attending Baptist churches to entering into full communion with the Catholic Church.

[PetersKeys]

It depends. Where and when did you get baptized?

If as an infant or very young child in the Catholic church, you'll be effectively required to get baptized to join the church and only after you've proven to the minister(s) that you're already saved or wish to be saved.

If you've been baptized at another Baptist church or even another denomination as a child and of your own volition, then the particular Baptist church may forego baptism.

Typically what is done amongst Baptist churches is a "letter". When you get baptized at a Baptist church you become a member. If you move to another area but continue going to the same denomination but different church and wish to become a member there, you can request that your membership be "moved". In most respects it's really just symbolic. By that letter you're telling the new congregation that you are saved and have been baptized elsewhere. The letter is your "proof". Membership allows you to vote in business meetings and partake in some aspects of church-life, specifically leadership roles.

Baptists see baptism as purely symbolic, thus membership and the letter are an extension of that. Verification of your salvation, just as much as the written record in the Catholic baptismal record of your local diocese made you effectively a Catholic.

As for whether you could still consider yourself a Catholic and a Baptist at the same time and whether or not the two denominations would consider you under joint membership is up for debate. Doctrinally both would say you cannot hold joint membership, though individuals from either denomination and some who've converted from one to another may well see it as plausible.


I think if the person wants to belong to both churches he should be able to since both have gifts to offer. I believe the laying on of hands by an apostolic authority(bishop with apostolic succesion) is important as it shows in the book of Acts when people recieved the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands

There are wonderful preachers in both denominations. Spurgeon and Edwards for the Baptists, John Corappi and Fulton Sheen for the Catholics. I think its really important finding a good pastor of priest. I do find it saddening that many Baptists consider Catholics "not saved".

[Epiphoskei]

Unfortunately it's not quite that simple.

Salvation is not through a church, it's through faith, and until a man, Catholic, Baptist, or whatever, can show me that he has been justified through faith, I cannot treat him like a brother.

I've known a few saved Catholics, and I've known unsaved Protestants, but when I as a Baptist adress Catholicism, Trent presents a serious problem that cannot simply be ignored.

[KCR]

Immersionx explained it perfectly.
I do not believe you make this decision based on what church you like best. Even though one church is baptist the one next door can also be baptist but have very different beliefs. You want to be able to learn and gain spiritual guidance from your church. You have read the bible, establish what you believe from your readings and talk to the pastors about their beliefs. Dont forget to ask God and Jesus for guidance, to help you find the church God wants you in. This is what i have done. I do agree that you have to have a great church to help you along your road in life.
I have grown up in baptist churches and have never experienced the love, fellowship, and spiritual guidance that i have in the church i am now a member of.

Being baptised is a commandment of Jesus. Matt. 28:19 ," Go the therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost:"
Being baptised as a child is for the parents to offer their child to Jesus. That child should get re-baptised when he/she is able to make the decision for themself.

I will pray for you to find a good church.

[PhoebeHatLady]

Becoming a Baptist requires a public confession of the Lord Jesus Christ as savior and Lord to forgive you your sins by His blood during an altar call, a subesquent interview by the deacons and then the pastor to determine that you understand you are a sinner and that Jesus has saved you by grace alone, by faith alone, and not by any works of your own. Then, usually a new converts class is taken if you are a brand new believer in Christ, after which you choose to get baptized by full water immersion in order to make your public declaration of faith, that you have died with Jesus to sin and have risen from the dead to the newness of life in Him as a symbol of the death of Christ and the death of the believer to sin and to the ressurection of Christ and the believer as an ordinance of the Baptist faith, but not as a sacrament. Baptist do not believe that the bread and the wine change to or are a co-part with the body and blood of Christ, but that it is a an ordinance as a symbol to remember the Lord's death, but not as a sacrament.

Baptist and the Congregational Brethren are the only two denominations that I know of that have no Jesus plus... Jesus plus means that you have to believe in Jesus plus do something extra to show that you are saved and have received the Holy Spirit. I am including a list of all the denominations I know of and what their process of salvation entails.

Catholics;
salvation comes by repenting of sin and believing in Jesus, plus it is not completed until the constant purging of sins on earth and in purgatory after death(no scripture says such a place exists) and confessing all sins to a priest
first communion confers the first state of grace under God as a sacrament
infant or adult baptism by the sign of the cross on the forehead with water confers the second state of grace under Christ as a sacrament
Lord's supper confers the actual body and blood of Christ by the power of the priest as a sacrament

Methodists;
salvation comes by repenting of sins and believing in Jesus, plus it is not completed until baptism
adult baptism by water immersion confers first grace under Christ, forgiveness of sins, salvation and the Holy Spirit as a sacrament
Lord's supper confers the actual body and blood of Christ as second grace under Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit as a sacrament

Lutherans;
salvation comes by repenting of sins and believing in Jesus, plus it is not completed until baptism
infant and adult baptism by sprinkling water confers first grace under Christ, salvation and the Holy Spirit as a sacrament
Lord's supper confers the actual body and blood of Christ as a second grace under Christ as a sacrament, by the power of the Holy Spirit

Church of Christ;
salvation comes by repenting of sins and believing in Jesus, plus it is not completed until baptism, living a sinless life until death and staying in scripture study to keep the Holy Spirit working inside
adult baptism by water immersion confers salvation and forgiveness of sins
Lord's supper is a symbol of the blood and body of Christ

Presbyterian;
salvation comes by repenting of sins and believing in Jesus, plus it is not completed until baptism
infant and adult baptism by sprinkling water confers first grace under Christ under Christ, salvation and the Holy Spirit as a sacrament
Lord's supper confers the actual body and blood of Christ as a sacrament

Pentecostals;
salvation comes by repenting of sins and believing in Jesus, plus speaking in tarrying at the altar to get tongues as evidence of having received the Holy Spirit as the sign of salvation
adult baptism by water immersion is a symbol of the death and resurrection of Christ as an ordinance
Lord's supper is a symbol of the blood and body of Christ as an ordinance

Brethren;
salvation comes by repenting of sins and believing in Jesus, no plus
adult baptism by water immersion is a symbol of the death and resurrection of Christ as an ordinance
Lord's supper is a symbol of the blood and body of Christ as an ordinance
no pastors preaching, women are to wear hats and be silent in the church, elders get up and take turns teaching

Baptists;
salvation comes by repenting of sins and believing in Jesus, no plus
adult baptism by water immersion is a symbol of the death and resurrection of Christ as an ordinance
Lord's supper is a symbol of the blood and body of Christ as an ordinance


Apostolics;
salvation comes by repenting of sins and believing in Jesus, plus the Father is Jesus and the Holy Spirit does not exist and there are present day apostles
adult baptism by water immersion is a symbol of the death and resurrection of Christ as an ordinance
Lord's supper is a symbol of the blood and body of Christ as an ordinance

Unitarians;
salvation comes by believing you are saved to go to heaven, but not necessarily from sin, God is one being with one personality and the after life is whatever you believe it is and everyone who believes something different about who and what God is can also be saved by whatever method they want, all can be saved regardless of gender disposition
baptism is not practiced
Lord's supper is not practiced

Trinitarians;
salvation comes by repenting of sin and believing in Jesus and the Holy Spirit as created beings, plus it is not completed until the constant purging of sins on earth and in purgatory after death (no scripture says such a place exists) and confessing all sins to a priest
first communion confers the first state of grace under God as a sacrament
infant or adult baptism by the sign of the cross on the forehead with water confers the second state of grace under Christ as a sacrament
Lord's supper confers the actual body and blood of Christ under by the power of the priest as a sacrament

Episcopalians;
salvation comes by repenting of sin and believing in Jesus, plus it is not completed until the constant purging of sins on earth and in purgatory after death (no scripture says such a place exists) all can be saved regardless of gender disposition
infant or adult baptism by the sign of the cross on the forehead with water confers the second state of grace under Christ as a sacrament
Lord's supper confers the actual body and blood of Christ under by the power of the priest as a sacrament


Jehovah's Witnesses;
salvation comes by repenting of sin and believing in God the Father and Jesus is the angel Michael and not God, plus living a godly life and witnessing to others, and believing in the Book of Jehovah's Witnesses over the Bible, only 144,000 go to heaven the rest inherit the new earth
adult baptism by water immersion is a symbol of the death and resurrection of Christ as an ordinance
Lord's supper is a symbol reserved for the 144,000 who have almost all died as an ordinance


Seventh Day Adventists;
salvation comes by repenting of sin and believing in death and resurrection of Jesus who is not God but God's son, plus following the Old Testament Law and living a godly life and worshipping Saturday
adult baptism by water immersion is a symbol of the death and resurrection of Christ as an ordinance
Lord' supper is a symbol of the body and blood of Christ as an ordinance

Mormons;
salvation comes by repenting of sin and believing in Jesus who was a man who became God and God was also a man who became God and everyone who goes to heaven will also become a god and birth spirit babies and rule their own planet, plus belief in the Book of Mormon
adult baptism by water immersion is a symbol of the death and resurrection of Christ and the believer becoming a god as an ordinance
Lord's supper is a symbol of the body and blood of Christ is a symbol of Christ and the believer becoming a god as an ordinance

Christians Scientists;
salvation is not necessary just believe in God and the Book Christian Science and Health above the Bible, and emulate Christ who is not God and you will conquer suffering, illness and death like Christ did
no baptism
no Lord's supper

Non Denominational;
salvation comes by repenting of sin and believing in Jesus and some have a plus and some don't, you have to ask them what they believe in
baptism a variety of methods and beliefs
Lord's supper a variety of beliefs