Baptism and Holy Communion — WJEC GCSE Religious Education Revision

What you'll learn

This revision guide covers the two principal sacraments in Christianity: baptism and Holy Communion. You will examine the theological significance, different denominational practices, and the role these sacraments play in Christian worship and identity. The WJEC specification requires detailed knowledge of how these rituals are performed, their biblical origins, and their meaning for believers across different Christian traditions.

Key terms and definitions

Sacrament — an outward sign of an inward grace; a religious ceremony or ritual regarded as imparting divine grace, instituted by Jesus Christ

Baptism — the Christian rite of initiation involving water, symbolising purification from sin and admission into the Church

Infant baptism — the baptism of babies and young children, practised by Catholic, Orthodox and many Protestant churches, where parents and godparents make promises on the child's behalf

Believers' baptism — full immersion baptism of people old enough to make their own decision to follow Jesus, practised by Baptist churches and many Pentecostal denominations

Holy Communion — also called the Eucharist or Lord's Supper; a sacrament using bread and wine to remember Jesus's Last Supper and his sacrifice on the cross

Transubstantiation — the Catholic belief that the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ during Mass

Consubstantiation — the Lutheran belief that Christ is spiritually present alongside the bread and wine

Confirmation — a sacrament in which baptised Christians affirm their faith and receive the Holy Spirit, often administered by a bishop

Core concepts

The nature and purpose of sacraments

The term sacrament derives from the Latin sacramentum, meaning a sacred oath or pledge. Most Christian denominations recognise baptism and Holy Communion as sacraments directly commanded by Jesus in Scripture. Catholics and Orthodox Christians observe seven sacraments in total, while most Protestant churches focus on these two.

Sacraments serve multiple functions:

Initiate believers into the Christian community
Mark significant stages in spiritual development
Make God's grace visible through physical elements
Unite Christians with Christ and with each other
Strengthen faith through repeated participation

The Protestant Reformers insisted that only rituals explicitly commanded by Jesus with a physical element (water, bread, wine) qualify as sacraments. This distinction became central to denominational identity.

Baptism: biblical foundations and significance

Baptism originates in Jesus's own baptism by John the Baptist in the River Jordan (Matthew 3:13-17) and his command to the disciples: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).

The symbolism of baptism encompasses:

Cleansing from sin — water washes away the stain of original sin and personal sin
Death and resurrection — immersion represents dying with Christ; emerging represents rising to new life (Romans 6:3-4)
New birth — being "born again of water and the Spirit" (John 3:5)
Membership — formal entry into the Church, the Body of Christ
Reception of the Holy Spirit — the gift of God's presence and power

Infant baptism practices and beliefs

Infant baptism (also called christening or paedobaptism) is practised by Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Methodist, and many Reformed churches. The ceremony typically includes:

Key elements of infant baptism:

Parents and godparents make vows on behalf of the child
The priest/minister asks if they reject sin and turn to Christ
Water is poured three times over the baby's head (affusion) or the baby is briefly immersed
The Trinitarian formula is spoken: "I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"
The sign of the cross may be made on the child's forehead
A baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal candle, symbolising Christ's light
A white garment may be given, representing purity

Theological justification for infant baptism:

The New Testament records household baptisms, likely including children (Acts 16:15, 33)
Jesus welcomed children: "Let the little children come to me" (Mark 10:14)
Baptism replaces circumcision as the covenant sign (Colossians 2:11-12)
Baptism washes away original sin, which even infants possess
Children benefit from God's grace even before they can consciously respond
Parents have authority to make spiritual decisions for their children

Confirmation later allows the baptised person to affirm for themselves the promises made at their baptism, typically during teenage years.

Believers' baptism practices and beliefs

Believers' baptism (also called adult baptism or credobaptism) is practised by Baptist, Pentecostal, and many independent evangelical churches. The defining characteristics are:

Key elements of believers' baptism:

The candidate must be old enough to understand and personally profess faith in Jesus Christ
Baptism typically follows a period of instruction in Christian doctrine
The candidate gives a testimony of their conversion experience
Full immersion in a baptismal pool or natural body of water (river, lake, sea)
The minister lowers the person backward into the water completely
The same Trinitarian formula is used
The congregation welcomes the newly baptised member

Theological justification for believers' baptism:

Jesus was baptised as an adult, not an infant
The New Testament pattern shows belief preceding baptism: "Repent and be baptised" (Acts 2:38)
Baptism is a conscious public declaration of faith, not something done to you
The Greek word baptizo means to immerse or submerge, not sprinkle
Full immersion best symbolises death, burial, and resurrection with Christ
Personal faith, not parental faith, saves the individual
Infants cannot repent or believe, prerequisites for valid baptism

Denominations practising believers' baptism do not consider infant baptism valid; converts from churches practising infant baptism are re-baptised.

Holy Communion: biblical foundations and significance

Holy Communion (also called the Eucharist, meaning thanksgiving, or the Lord's Supper) commemorates the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. The biblical accounts appear in Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said: "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." Similarly with the wine: "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you" (Luke 22:19-20).

Significance of Holy Communion:

Memorial — remembering Jesus's sacrifice on the cross
Thanksgiving — gratitude for salvation and forgiveness
Communion — spiritual union with Christ and fellowship with other believers
Proclamation — declaring "the Lord's death until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26)
Covenant renewal — reaffirming commitment to the new covenant in Christ's blood
Anticipation — looking forward to the heavenly banquet in God's kingdom

Different understandings of Holy Communion

Christian denominations hold varying beliefs about what happens during Communion:

Catholic view — Transubstantiation: The bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Christ when the priest consecrates them during the Mass. Though the accidents (appearance, taste, smell) remain unchanged, the substance is transformed. This change is permanent; consecrated bread (the Host) is kept in the tabernacle and can be adored. Only baptised Catholics in a state of grace (having confessed mortal sins) may receive Communion. The Mass is considered a re-presentation (making present again) of Christ's sacrifice, not a repetition. Catholics attend Mass weekly as a sacred obligation.

Orthodox view: Similar to Catholicism, the Orthodox Church believes the bread and wine truly become Christ's body and blood through the power of the Holy Spirit, invoked in the epiclesis prayer. However, Orthodox theology avoids defining the exact mechanism of change, considering it a divine mystery. The bread and wine are mixed together and given to communicants on a spoon. Orthodox Christians receive Communion after fasting and preparation.

Lutheran view — Consubstantiation: Martin Luther taught that Christ is truly present "in, with, and under" the bread and wine. The physical elements remain bread and wine while simultaneously being Christ's body and blood. This spiritual presence occurs during the Communion service but does not persist afterward. All baptised Christians who recognise Christ's real presence may receive.

Reformed/Calvinist view — Spiritual presence: John Calvin taught that while the bread and wine remain physical elements, through the Holy Spirit, believers truly receive Christ's body and blood spiritually. Communion is a genuine encounter with the risen Christ, not mere symbolism, but the change occurs in the believer's soul, not the elements themselves.

Memorial view: Many Baptist, Pentecostal, and evangelical churches understand Communion as a symbolic memorial. The bread and wine represent or symbolise Christ's body and blood but do not change in any way. The service is an act of obedience to Jesus's command and a way to remember and proclaim his death. The focus is on personal reflection and spiritual renewal rather than sacramental grace.

Celebration of Holy Communion

Catholic and Orthodox practice:

Celebrated at every Sunday service (Mass or Divine Liturgy) and daily in many churches
Elaborate liturgy with set prayers and responses
Priest wears special vestments
Use of unleavened bread (wafer) in Catholic churches; leavened bread in Orthodox
Only the priest drinks the wine in Catholic tradition (though Vatican II allowed both kinds for laity); Orthodox receive both together on a spoon
Altar is central; emphasises sacrifice

Protestant practice (varies by denomination):

Frequency ranges from weekly (Anglican, Lutheran) to monthly or quarterly (many Baptist, evangelical churches)
Simpler liturgy; more variation allowed
Ministers or elders serve; some churches allow lay participation
Both bread (often cubed loaf) and wine/grape juice distributed to congregation
Communion table rather than altar; emphasises memorial and fellowship
May be served in pews, by intinction (dipping bread in wine), or at the front

Who can receive Holy Communion?

This question reveals important denominational differences:

Catholic Church: Only baptised Catholics who have received First Communion (around age 7-8) and are in a state of grace. Divorced and remarried Catholics without annulment are excluded. Non-Catholics may receive a blessing but not Communion.

Orthodox Church: Only Orthodox Christians who have prepared through fasting and confession. Closed communion reflects the belief that Communion signifies full unity in faith.

Anglican Church: Generally practises open communion; baptised Christians from any denomination are welcome at the Lord's table. Some Anglo-Catholic parishes are more restrictive.

Lutheran Church: Most Lutheran churches welcome all baptised Christians. Some conservative Lutheran churches (LCMS) practise closed communion, requiring instruction and membership.

Baptist and evangelical churches: Most practise open communion for all professing Christians. Some require believers' baptism. A few practise closed communion for members only.

Worked examples

Question 1: Explain why some Christians baptise infants while others baptise only believers. (8 marks)

Answer: Christians who practise infant baptism, such as Catholics and Anglicans, believe that baptism washes away original sin, which even babies possess. They argue that Jesus welcomed children and said "let the little children come to me," and that households in the New Testament were baptised, probably including children. Infant baptism allows children to benefit from God's grace from the earliest age, and parents have the right to make spiritual decisions for their children. The child later confirms their faith at confirmation.

Christians who practise believers' baptism, such as Baptists and Pentecostals, argue that baptism should follow personal faith and repentance, as commanded in Acts 2:38. They point out that Jesus was baptised as an adult and that the New Testament pattern shows people believing and then being baptised. They believe baptism is a public declaration of personal faith that infants cannot make. Full immersion best symbolises dying and rising with Christ, which requires understanding. They would say that infant baptism is not valid because the person being baptised must consciously choose to follow Jesus.

This answer would score 7-8 marks: detailed knowledge of both practices, developed reasoning for each position, religious terminology used accurately, two contrasting views clearly explained.

Question 2: "Baptism is the most important sacrament." Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (15 marks)

Answer: Many Christians would agree that baptism is the most important sacrament because it is the entry point into the Christian faith and the Church. Without baptism, a person cannot become a full member of the Christian community. Jesus himself was baptised and commanded his followers to baptise in the Great Commission, making it an essential act of obedience. Baptism symbolises the washing away of sin and the beginning of new life in Christ—it represents spiritual rebirth. For Catholics and Orthodox Christians, baptism is necessary for salvation as it removes original sin. It is a once-only sacrament that permanently marks a person as belonging to Christ, whereas other sacraments are repeated. Baptism is universally recognised across denominations; virtually all Christians practise some form of it.

However, other Christians would argue that Holy Communion is equally or more important. While baptism is a one-time event, Holy Communion is repeated regularly—weekly or even daily in some traditions—making it central to ongoing Christian worship and spiritual life. Jesus instituted Holy Communion at the Last Supper and commanded "do this in remembrance of me," making it a continual practice rather than a single event. Catholics believe the Mass is essential for receiving grace and spiritual nourishment; it is the source and summit of Christian life. Holy Communion maintains and strengthens the relationship with Christ that baptism initiates. Without regular Communion, many Christians would feel spiritually starved. Some would also point out that Communion involves actually consuming Christ (in Catholic belief through transubstantiation), making it a more intimate encounter.

In conclusion, while baptism is foundational as it initiates Christian life, Holy Communion sustains it. Both are commanded by Jesus and both are essential sacraments. Baptism might be considered more important as the necessary first step, but many Christians would argue they are equally important for different reasons—baptism for beginning the faith journey, Communion for continuing it. Some Protestant Christians might say neither sacrament saves you; only faith in Jesus saves, and the sacraments are outward expressions of that faith.

This answer would score 13-15 marks: thorough evaluation from multiple perspectives, detailed religious knowledge, well-developed arguments for different viewpoints, personal/religious reasoning, substantiated judgement with alternative views considered.

Question 3: Describe how believers' baptism is carried out. (5 marks)

Answer: Believers' baptism involves the candidate, who must be old enough to understand their faith, being fully immersed in water. Before the baptism, the person will often give a testimony explaining their conversion to Christianity. The baptism takes place in a baptismal pool inside the church or in a natural body of water like a river or lake. The minister baptises the person by lowering them backwards completely under the water while saying "I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The person emerges from the water symbolising their new life in Christ, and the congregation welcomes them as a new member of the church.

This answer would score 5 marks: accurate, detailed description of the process, key elements identified, religious terminology used correctly.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Mistake: Confusing infant baptism with believers' baptism terminology. Students write that Baptists practise "christening" or that Catholics practise "adult baptism." Correction: Use precise terms. Infant baptism/christening is for babies in Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox churches. Believers' baptism/adult baptism is for those old enough to choose, practised by Baptist, Pentecostal churches.
Mistake: Claiming all Christians believe the bread and wine literally become Christ's body and blood. Correction: Only Catholics and Orthodox hold this view (transubstantiation for Catholics). Lutherans believe in spiritual presence alongside the elements (consubstantiation). Many Protestants view Communion as symbolic memorial only.
Mistake: Writing vague statements like "baptism is important because it shows you're a Christian" without explaining the theological significance. Correction: Specify that baptism removes original sin (Catholic view), symbolises dying and rising with Christ (Romans 6:3-4), marks entry into the Church, is commanded by Jesus in Matthew 28:19, and represents new birth (John 3:5).
Mistake: Failing to give denominational differences when the question asks for them, or giving Catholic and Orthodox views when the question specifically asks about Protestant practices. Correction: Read questions carefully. Note when questions ask for "different Christian attitudes" (requires contrasting denominations) versus "Christian beliefs" (can focus on one tradition). Name specific denominations: Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Baptist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Methodist.
Mistake: Describing godparents as "people who look after the child if the parents die." Correction: Godparents make baptismal promises on behalf of the child and commit to supporting the child's spiritual development and Christian education, not legal guardianship.
Mistake: Writing that Communion is "when Christians eat Jesus" or other theologically imprecise descriptions. Correction: Use proper terminology. Catholics receive the body and blood of Christ through transubstantiation during Mass. Other Christians receive bread and wine in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice during Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper.

Exam technique for Practices in Christianity: the sacraments — baptism and Holy Communion

Command word recognition: "Describe" questions (5 marks) require detailed factual accounts of practices without evaluation. "Explain" questions (8 marks) need reasons and causes—why Christians do something or what the significance is. "Discuss" or evaluate questions (15 marks) require balanced arguments from multiple viewpoints with a reasoned conclusion.
Mark-per-point patterns: For 5-mark questions, aim for 5 detailed points or 3 developed points with elaboration. For 8-mark questions, provide two developed explanations with religious terminology and reasoning. For 15-mark questions, develop arguments for at least two contrasting positions, include religious teachings or quotes, and write a conclusion that weighs the arguments.
Denominational specificity: WJEC mark schemes reward precise identification of Christian traditions. Don't write "some Christians"—specify Catholics believe transubstantiation, Baptists practise believers' baptism by full immersion, Orthodox receive Communion with a spoon. Reference specific practices and beliefs tied to named denominations.
Biblical references strengthen answers: While not required, citing scripture demonstrates detailed knowledge. Key references for this topic include Matthew 28:19 (baptism command), Romans 6:3-4 (baptism symbolism), Matthew 26:26-29 (Last Supper), 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (Paul's account of Communion), Acts 2:38 (repent and be baptised), John 3:5 (born of water and Spirit).

Quick revision summary

Baptism initiates Christians into the Church through water, symbolising cleansing from sin, death and resurrection with Christ, and new birth. Infant baptism (Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox) involves parents and godparents making promises; believers' baptism (Baptist, Pentecostal) requires personal faith and full immersion. Holy Communion uses bread and wine to remember Jesus's Last Supper and sacrifice. Catholics believe transubstantiation—the elements literally become Christ's body and blood. Protestants range from spiritual presence (Lutheran) to symbolic memorial (Baptist). Both sacraments were commanded by Jesus and are central to Christian worship and identity across all denominations.