6.1.3.1 Liturgical position

The dispensation of the sacraments is the central event in the (regular) divine service. Holy Baptism with water takes place after the absolution and the Eucharistic prayer, and can be introduced with a piece of music. If other sacraments or acts of blessing are planned before the celebration of Holy Communion, they are to be performed in the following sequence:

• Holy Baptism with water
• adoption
• Holy Sealing
• confirmation

6.1.3.2 Execution

The sacrament of Holy Baptism with water is dispensed by an Apostle or a priestly minister. The dispensation of the sacrament takes place in front of the altar.

Address at the baptism of children^[45]

The following is to be expressed:

• Jesus valued the children when He said, “Let the little children come to Me.” Therefore children may also receive the sacraments.
• parents bear responsibility for the child’s upbringing in the Christian faith, as it is proclaimed in the New Apostolic Church.
• the congregation is called upon to comprise a space that allows the child to be strengthened in faith and to feel cared for and loved.
• Holy Baptism with water is the first and fundamental act of grace of the triune God bestowed upon a human being.^[46] 
• It is necessary for salvation.
• baptism signifies burial and resurrection with Christ.^[47]
• through baptism, original sin is washed away.^[48]

Address at the baptism of adults^[49]

The following is to be expressed:

• the faith and knowledge of the person being baptised are prerequisites for receiving Holy Baptism with water
• this also includes the profession of the New Apostolic faith, specifically of
  • the triune God,
  • the death, resurrection, and return of Jesus Christ, and
  • the sending and authority of the apostolate.
• this faith is practised in daily life and in the fellowship of divine service
• the congregation is called upon to comprise a space that strengthens the faith of the baptised and allows him or her to feel cared for and loved.
• Holy Baptism with water is the first and fundamental act of grace of the triune God bestowed upon a human being.^[50] It is necessary for salvation.
• through baptism, the person being baptised is incorporated into the body of Christ, that is, the church of Christ.
• baptism signifies burial and resurrection with Christ.^[51]
• through baptism, original sin is washed away.^[52]

Vow at the baptism of children

The officiant asks the congregation to rise and then asks the parents the following:

“Dear parents, I now ask you before God and the congregation: Do you believe in Jesus Christ and is it your wish to raise your child in the New Apostolic faith and teach him/her to remain faithful to the Lord? Then vow this with a clear yes.”

If one of the parents is not New Apostolic, this can be supplemented as follows:

“...in the New Apostolic faith and to support this upbringing…”

Vow at the baptism of adults

The officiant asks the congregation to rise and then asks those to be baptised the following:

“I now ask you before God and the congregation: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, and is it your wish to align your life by the gospel as proclaimed by the Apostles? Then vow this with a clear yes.”

Prayer following the vow

The vow is followed by a prayer. It may contain the following elements:

• the plea for strength and the ability to keep the vow.
• the plea for a blessed development of the baptised person’s faith.

6.1.3.3 Consecration of the baptismal water

The water of baptism is now consecrated. To this end, the minister holds his hand over the baptismal water and consecrates it with the following words:
“In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I consecrate this water and dedicate it for the act of Holy Baptism. Amen.”

6.1.3.4 Act of baptism

This is followed by the act of baptism. To this end, the officiant pronounces the following Trinitarian baptismal formula:
“I baptise you (possibly mention name) in the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

As the officiant speaks the words of the baptismal formula, he or she makes the sign of the cross three times on the forehead of the person being baptised. He or she dips his or her hand in the consecrated water each time. The officiant should make sure to use sufficient water.

The aforementioned Trinitarian formula and corresponding actions are repeated for each person being baptised.

The officiant then continues the act of baptism by placing his or her hand on the forehead of the person being baptised and stating the following:
“Through this holy act, God washes away original sin. You are now incorporated into the body of Christ and thus into the church of Christ.”

Dispensation of the baptismal blessing

This is followed directly by the baptismal blessing, which is dispensed through the laying on of hands. The following content is recommended:

• God the Father
  • imparts to you His grace and leads you upon the path to salvation and complete redemption
  • accepts you in His love
• God the Son
  • has sacrificed His life for you
  • grants you access to Holy Communion and all the blessings in the house of God
  • grants you His peace
• God the Holy Spirit
  • desires to form and shape you in accordance with the nature of Christ
  • protect you on your path of life and faith.

If you confess Jesus Christ before men, He will also confess you before His Father who is in heaven.^[53]

Mandatory conclusion:
“May the blessing of God accompany you! The peace of the Risen One be with you! Amen.”

6.1.3.5 Introduction of Holy Communion

After the officiant has conveyed congratulations to the baptised and/or the parents, they return to their seats.

If no other acts or musical contributions are planned, the congregation remains standing and the celebration of Holy Communion follows.