什么是洗礼？洗礼是得救的条件吗？
What is baptism? Is baptism required for salvation?
简答 Short Answer
洗礼是基督设立的圣礼，是信仰的外在标记和恩典之约的印记。洗礼不是得救的条件，但它是每个信徒应当顺服的命令。
Baptism is a sacrament instituted by Christ, an outward sign of faith and seal of the covenant of grace. Baptism is not required for salvation, but it is a command every believer should obey.
详细解答 Detailed Answer
耶稣在升天前命令门徒「奉父、子、圣灵的名给他们施洗」（太28:19）。洗礼是一个可见的记号，象征着与基督联合——与祂同死、同埋葬、同复活（罗6:3-4）。它也是进入有形教会的门。
改革宗传统认为洗礼是恩典之约的记号和印记，类似于旧约中的割礼（西2:11-12）。因此，改革宗教会不仅为信徒施洗，也为信徒的孩子施洗，因为上帝的约包含信徒和他们的后裔。
洗礼本身不能拯救人——十字架上的强盗没有受洗却得到耶稣的应许（路23:43）。但作为基督的命令，洗礼是信心的表达和顺服的行动，每个信徒都应当领受。洗礼的功效不在于水，而在于圣灵通过这个圣礼所做的工作。
Before ascending, Jesus commanded His disciples to 'baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit' (Matt 28:19). Baptism is a visible sign symbolizing union with Christ — dying, being buried, and rising with Him (Rom 6:3-4). It is also the entrance into the visible church.
The Reformed tradition views baptism as a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, analogous to circumcision in the Old Testament (Col 2:11-12). Therefore, Reformed churches baptize not only believers but also believers' children, since God's covenant includes believers and their offspring.
Baptism itself doesn't save — the thief on the cross wasn't baptized yet received Jesus's promise (Luke 23:43). But as Christ's command, baptism is an expression of faith and act of obedience that every believer should receive. Baptism's efficacy lies not in the water but in the Spirit's work through this sacrament.
📖 经文引用 Bible Verses
📚 推荐阅读 Related Readings
- •Systematic Theology Ch.49 (Wayne Grudem)
- •The Westminster Confession Ch.28