Baptism is the Christian rite of initiation with water into the faith. It symbolizes cleansing from sin and new life in Christ. Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River. He commanded his followers to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism is practiced by most Christian denominations. The mode and meaning vary.

Some churches baptize infants. They see baptism as a sign of the covenant. It is like circumcision in the Old Testament. Other churches baptize only believers. They see baptism as a public declaration of faith. The mode varies too. Immersion is full submersion. Affusion is pouring. Aspersion is sprinkling. The amount of water is not the point. The meaning is. Baptism identifies the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

Baptism in scripture

• Matthew 28:19: baptize all nations.
• Acts 2:38: repent and be baptized.
• Romans 6:4: buried with him in baptism.
• 1 Peter 3:21: baptism now saves you.
• Galatians 3:27: clothed with Christ.

Baptism is a sacrament. It is a means of grace. It is a visible sign of an invisible reality. The water is ordinary. The meaning is extraordinary. It marks a new beginning. It marks a death and a resurrection. It marks a new identity. The baptized person is now in Christ. They are part of his body. They are members of his family. Baptism is not a magic ritual. It requires faith. It requires repentance. It requires a life of discipleship. But it is the door. It is the entry point. It is the beginning of the Christian journey. And it is a command. Jesus said do it. So the church does it. In every nation. In every language. In every generation. Baptism is the church's obedience. It is the believer's joy.