Baptism

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM

Baptism is sacramental act within the life of the church of Jesus Christ. It is an outward act that symbolizes the inward experience of recognizing the love of God. The purpose of baptism is to give visual testimony of our commitment to Christ. It is the first step in an ongoing life of Christian discipleship.

The symbolism of baptism is that, just as Christ died and was buried, so the baptized person is submerged (whether physically or symbolically) under water. And just as Christ rose again from beneath the earth, so the baptized person rises again from beneath the water. Under the water is the believer’s old, dead, heavy, suffocating life. Out of the water, cleansed by the blood of Christ, is the believer’s new, fresh, purposeful life.

Baptism is like a wedding ring. We put on a wedding ring as a symbol of our commitment and devotion. In the same way, baptism is a picture of devotion and commitment to Christ. A wedding ring is a symbol of relationship. In the same way, baptism reminds us of and others that we are devoted to Christ and belong to Him.