Changes

subtopics = [[Believer's baptism]], [[Infant baptism]], [[Baptismal regeneration]]

* [[Baptism of the Holy Spirit]] * [[Becoming a Christian]] |

Baptism refers to the symbolic sprinkling of , or submersion in , water of a new [[Christian]]. It represents his the person's cleansing from all [[sin]] by the [[death of Jesus]] Christ.

Although the word 'baptism ' usually refers to baptism by water, it can be used in other waysmetaphorically, for example "baptism by fire".

In the Bible , baptism is first mentioned in passages that talk about [[John the Baptist]] , who called on people to repent and be baptized. [[Jesus]] came to John to be baptized and [[Baptism of Jesus|his baptism]] was recorded in [[Mark 1]]:7-11: ''{{web_verseBible verse|markMark|1|7|lang=WEB}} {{web_verseBible verse|markMark|1|8|lang=WEB}} {{web_verseBible verse|mark|1|9|lang=WEB}} {{web_verseBible verse|mark|1|10|lang=WEB}} {{web_verseBible verse|mark|1|11|lang=WEB}}''

After his resurrection , Jesus commanded his disciples to make disciples of all nations and to baptize them . This command, recorded in what is [[Matthew 28:19]], has become known as the [[Great Commission]] in [[Matthew 28]]:19.: ''{{web_verseBible verse|matthew|28|19|lang=WEB}}''

Later in the book of [[Acts]] , a number of baptisms are described that are associated with the initial conversion of a new believer.

The word "baptism" is derived from the Greek verb [[Βαπτιζω]] (baptizo), which means "to immerse" or "to baptize") and . The noun form [[βαπτισμος]] (baptismos, which means ) can mean "dipping" or "baptism").

Most Christians agree on the importance of baptism, although a few denominations do not practice baptism, (such as the [[Salvation Army]]) do not practice baptism. Most agree that a Christian baptism requires three elements: water; it must be done in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; and faith. There is however are a variety of opinions , however, regarding who should be baptized (only believers in Jesus versus must the person being baptized profess faith themself, or can parents of faith bring their children of parents who believeto be baptized?), how much water is required (is full immersion required or is a sprinkling sufficient?) , and what baptism actually means (does it actually brings bring about forgiveness versus it or only symbolizes symbolize forgiveness?).

In many denominations (including [[Roman Catholicism]], [[Eastern Orthodoxy]] and [[Anglicanism]]) , infants are baptized.

In some denominations (including [[Baptist]]) , only an adult who believes in the death and resurrection of Jesus in may be baptized.

In [[Protestant]] denominations , baptism is generally regarded as a symbolic an act that simply symbolizes forgiveness and new life. In [[Roman Catholicism]] and [[Eastern Orthodoxy]] , however the act of baptism , it is seen as an act of taught that God who actually brings about forgiveness through the sacrament physical action of baptism, a teaching known as [[baptismal regeneration]]. {{stub}}

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]]* -> [[Christian doctrine and debates]]* -> [[Essence of Christianity]] -> [[Becoming a Category:Christiandoctrine and debates]]