Baptism
is the door to life and to the kingdom of God. Baptism in Christian churches,
the universal rite of initiation, performed with water, usually in the name
of the Trinity or in the name of Christ. Orthodox and Baptist churches require
baptism by total immersion. In other churches, pouring and sprinkling are more
common. Most churches regard baptism as a sacrament, or sign of grace; some
regard it simply as an ordinance, or rite, commanded by Christ. Therefore,
Baptism is the sacrament of faith by which we, enlightened by the Spirit's
grace, respond to the Gospel of Christ.
Scriptural Basis
Jesus was baptized
by John at the beginning of his public ministry. Although it is uncertain
that Jesus himself baptized, the risen Christ commanded his disciples to preach
to and baptize the nations as the sign of God's coming rule. Thus, from the
outset, baptism became the Christian rite of initiation.
Purpose and Symbols
The
purpose of this sacrament is to purify your......
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