66%
Confidence
Belief overview
Baptism as sacrament of initiation
Baptism is recognized as Christian sacrament administered to children or adults.
2
Supportive
0
Contrary
1
Neutral
What it is: The Church of the Nazarene recognizes baptism as sacrament of initiation in the Christian community.
How the tradition understands it: Baptism can be administered to children or adults, according to the pastoral situation and the practice of the church, in continuity with the Wesleyan heritage.
Basis and context: The sacrament marks incorporation, grace, and call to discipleship.
Debates and variations: The point of greatest contrast usually arises in comparison with exclusively credobaptist traditions.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
Articles of Faith of the Church of the Nazarene
Official doctrinal synthesis of the denomination.
Reference: Articles of Faith present in the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene.
Content: Summarize doctrines on God, Scripture, sin, salvation, sanctification, sacraments, church, and future hope.
Use in debate: The main confessional basis of the Nazarene tradition.
Articles of Faith, Baptism, Lord's Supper and Divine Healing
Confessional articles on sacraments and church life.
Reference: Articles of Faith on baptism, Lord's Supper, and other practical themes in the Nazarene Manual.
Content: Define the denominational understanding of the sacraments and corresponding ecclesial practice.
Use in debate: Primary sources for baptism and supper.
Neutral
Matthew 28:18-20
Great Commission and baptismal mandate.
Reference: Matthew 28:18-20.
Content: Jesus sends disciples to all nations, commanding them to baptize and teach.
Use in debate: It is central both to baptism and to Christian mission.