Significance Of Baptism In Christianity

Add as a preferred source on Google

Baptism is an important rites of passage for the Christians. It is a rite of adoption or admission into the religion. The word 'Baptism' is derived from the Greek concept of 'baptisma' which means washing.

Baptism is similar to the Jewish purification ritual known as the Tvilah. In this ritual, an individual had to immerse himself in water to get converted to Judaism. Baptism is considered to be the sacrament and an ordinance of Jesus Christ. The canonical gospels say that Jesus was baptised. However some Christians like the Christian scientists, Quakers, the Salvation Army and the Unitarians do not see baptism necessary.

Most Christians baptise in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. But some baptise in the name of Jesus only. The mode and manners of baptism varies among the different sects of Christianity. Most Christians prefer to baptise their infants while others hold that believer's baptism is only true baptism.

SYMBOLS OF CHRISTIANITY & SIGNIFICANCE

Take a look at the modes, importance and significance of baptism in Christianity.

Modes Of Baptism
Baptism is practiced in various ways. The first way is aspersion which is sprinkling of water on the head and then there is affusion which is pouring of water over the head. In some cultures even submersion is practiced which is complete immersion of the person into water.

Purpose
In Christianity, baptism is not supposed to be a private experience. It is an act of surrender completely to Jesus. That is why one should be old enough to understand what is happening and then make the commitment to Christ.

The second reason for baptism is to initiate one into the fellowship of the local church of believers.

Significance Of Baptism
Most Christians believe that baptism is a step to attain salvation. According to Catholics baptism by water is a sacrament of initiation into the life of the children of God. Protestants recognize baptism as an outward sign of an inward reality following on an individual believer's experience of forgiving grace.

Thus, baptism is mainly the concept of joining the assembly of believers and a way to get closer to Christ.