Baptism
The Christian practice of using water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, marking entry into the Christian community.
A little more
Baptism is the Christian practice of using water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It marks entry into the Christian community and is closely connected with new life in Christ. The New Testament links it with washing from sin and with sharing in Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Christians understand baptism in different ways. Many understand it as a sacrament through which God gives grace; others emphasise it as a public expression of faith. Churches also differ over baptising infants or people who personally profess faith.
Methods also differ — full immersion, pouring, or sprinkling — depending on tradition, though all treat it as something that matters in Christian life. You don’t need to be baptised before you start exploring, praying or turning towards Jesus — but it’s a step worth asking a church about.
Read it for yourself
- Romans 6:3-4Paul describes being baptised into Christ’s death, so that we may live a new life.