The Anglican church traces its roots back to the establishment of the Church of England and has links to the ancient diocese of Canterbury. The Anglican faith has more than 70 million members, spread across more than 160 countries. Although the churches of the Anglican faith are autonomous, they share theology, history and worship. Anglican faith includes a belief in life after death, with the gift of eternal life.
Belief in salvation is belief in a life of the spiritual body after death. Jesus explained in Mark 12:25 that when the spirits rose from the dead they would be "as the angels which are in heaven." The belief in a path for the living towards salvation is a core element of Anglican theology and encompasses redemption from sin and an active, living faith.
The Anglican view of salvation is summed up in the Bible in John 3:16, which states: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." For Anglicans, one of the principal methods of strengthening belief is to be baptized into the faith and to partake of Holy Communion regularly.
Baptism and Holy Communion
Baptism is one of the sacraments of the Anglican Church. Usually babies or young children are baptized or christened, however, it is possible to be baptized at any age. Baptism is followed by confirmation into the Church, which is a further profession of faith. The confirmation service leads to celebrants being able to receive Holy Communion in some churches, although it is becoming common practice to allow baptized children to take Holy Communion from the age of six.
Way to Salvation
Anglicans believe that the only way to salvation lies in leading a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Anglican faith requires practice of its sacraments; the strengthening of faith and true belief are enhanced by baptism and the Eucharist/Holy Communion.
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