The English words "baptize" and "baptism" are derived from a Greek root, "baptizr" which means, "to immerse", or "to wash." Baptism is the ritual that welcomes the individual into the church. In the days of the Christian Scriptures (New Testament) it was performed by totally immersing the person, in water, typically in a stream, river or lake. Baptism is the universal initiation rite involving the pouring of water over the head of the child. Many parents believe this practice is a way of instilling some basic principles and values in their child based on religious teachings. It is an important occasion for the family and close friends, and a Baptism celebration, http://www.announcements-
Baptism is one of the two ordinances of the New Testament that we call sacraments. Baptism is administered in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Baptism "in the name of" means "into union with" or "into the discipleship of." Baptism in the one name of the triune God means baptism into subjection and devotion to the one living and true God. It means that the mark of the triune God is placed upon the recipients of it.
Baptism signifies washing or purification, washing from the defilement or pollution of sin by regeneration of the Holy Spirit, and washing from the guilt of sin by the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. Manifestly, it is only in and through Christ and His work that these blessings can be enjoyed. Union with Christ, therefore, is the bond that unites us to the participation of these blessings. The Shorter Catechism gives a rather succinct and comprehensive definition when it says that "Baptism is a Sacrament, wherein the washing with water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, doth signify and seal our engrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's."
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