What's the difference between a christening and a baptism Catholic?
Christening refers to the naming ceremony (to "christen" means to "give a name to") where as baptism is one of seven sacraments in the Catholic Church. In the sacrament of Baptism the baby's name is used and mentioned, however it is the rite of claiming the child for Christ and his Church that is celebrated.
Do Catholics baptize babies?
It does not in any way convey the grace it symbolizes; rather, it is merely a public manifestation of the person's conversion. Since only an adult or older child can be converted, baptism is inappropriate for infants or for children who have not yet reached the age of reason (generally considered to be age seven).
Is Christened and Baptised the same thing?
Is a baptism different to a christening? There is no difference between a christening service and a baptism service. Some churches will use the word 'baptism' and some the word 'christening'. The moment when your child has water poured or wiped on their head is the actual baptism and is at the heart of the service.
Do Catholics Do christenings?
Other Points Related to Baptism and Christening Christening is considered to be a religious rite by churches that are Catholic, Lutheran, and Episcopal.
Why do Catholics christen babies?
Because babies are born with original sin, they need baptism to cleanse them, so that they may become adopted sons and daughters of God and receive the grace of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that the kingdom of God also belongs to children (see Mt 18:4; Mk 10:14).
What is a Catholic baby baptism called?
Christening is known as a form of baptism, common in the Catholic or Anglican Church. Typically baptizing infants and small children, it involves a lengthy ceremony and often, the child is given a new, Christian name, in the presence of family and friends.
At what age do Catholic babies get baptized?
In the same section mentioned above, the document notes clearly, “An infant should be baptized within the first weeks after birth” (No. 8.3). This teaching is also captured in canon law: “Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptized in the first few weeks” (Canon 867).
Do both parents have to be Catholic to baptize a baby?
You may select two godparents; only one is required for Baptism. If one is chosen, he/she must be an actively practicing Catholic (see requirements below). If two are chosen, one must be male and one female. One must be Catholic, the other must be a baptized Christian.
How long is a Catholic christening?
Traditional Catholic Baptism Process. A Catholic baptism ceremony is, indeed, a ceremony, involving an intricate process of steps that occur over the course of the infant's baptism, which typically takes place on a Sunday and lasts for about 20 to 30 minutes.
How do Catholics get babies christened?
Contact your parish office and express your desire to have your child baptized. Introduce yourself to the parish priest if you do not already know him personally. Open yourself to the invitation to actively join the faith community of your parish.
What religions baptize babies?
Branches of Christianity that practice infant baptism include Catholics, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, and among Protestants, several denominations: Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Congregationalists and other Reformed denominations, Methodists, Nazarenes, Moravians, and United Protestants.
What happens at a Catholic christening?
The priest pours water over the child's head (or immerses the child in water) and says, "I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit".
At what age do babies get baptized Catholic?
In the same section mentioned above, the document notes clearly, “An infant should be baptized within the first weeks after birth” (No. 8.3). This teaching is also captured in canon law: “Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptized in the first few weeks” (Canon 867).
When should a baby be baptized in the Catholic Church?
When should a baby be baptized? Babies are usually baptized with the first few weeks or months of birth. Once children are of school age, over the age of 7, children will be recieved into the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults adaped for children process.
Do unbaptized babies go to heaven?
The fate of unbaptized babies has confounded Catholic scholars for centuries. According to church catechisms, or teachings, babies that haven't been splashed with holy water bear the original sin, which makes them ineligible for joining God in heaven.
When did Catholics start baptizing babies?
There is no certain evidence of this practice earlier than the 2nd century, and the ancient baptismal liturgies are all intended for adults. There is, however, extensive testimony suggesting the introduction of infant baptism as early as the 1st century.
Who said the custom of Mother Church in baptizing infants is not to be scorned?
The great St Augustine would write: "The custom of Mother Church in baptizing infants is... not to be scorned, nor regarded as superfluous, nor is it to be believed that its tradition is anything except apostolic".
What does St Paul say about baptism?
St Paul also confirms that baptism now replaces circumcision as entry into the New Covenant.
What does Jesus say about infants?
"People were bringing even infants (the Greek word here literally means infants, NOT older children) to Him that He might touch them.... 'Let the children come to Me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these...".
Is baptism a way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven?
Now according to Scripture, Baptism is the normal way of entering into the Kingdom of Heaven. "Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit" (John 3:3-5). "Being born of water and Spirit" is Baptism according to what the early Church taught about this passage.
Can babies make the commitment to baptism?
Despite this, the first objection often is that babies cannot personally make the commitment necessary for Baptism.
Who said "Baptize first the children and if they can speak for themselves let them do so"?
In his 215 A.D. letter, "Apostolic Tradition", St Hippolytus would write: "Baptize first the children, and if they can speak for themselves let them do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them.". St Gregory of Nazianz summarizes the answer for us perfectly in his "Oration on Holy Baptism".
Who is Graham Osborne?
Graham Osborne is a professional nature photographer and biologist. He has spent the last twenty years studying Sacred Scripture and Church teaching and teaches Scripture and apologetics classes for the Archdiocese of Vancouver's Office of Catechetics' quarterly Institutes.
When Are Children Christened?
According to the Church of England, children can be christened at any age (including adults, sometimes), though they are usually christened as infants. “The actual time and date of the service is usually dictated by the availability of your church, and you’ll also want to check the availability of your chosen godparents,” Huggies Australia says, “As to the age of your baby – that really depends on the parents and, to some extent, the requirements of your church. Forty years ago it was very common to hold a christening just a couple of weeks after a baby was born. However there is a lot more variety in the age of children being christened these days. Some families will even hold a christening for several siblings, or cousins, at the same time.”
Where Did the Idea of Giving a New Christian Name Originate?
Catholics get the idea of giving a new name at baptism from stories in the Bible. Citing examples in both the Old and New Testament, followers of God are sometimes given new names--Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel, and Saul to Paul. Osmera writes, “In each of these cases, an important encounter with God led to the choosing of a name which reflected the solemnity of that event. When a child is baptized, he or she becomes a son or daughter of God the Father, a co-heir of Heaven through Christ the Son, and a sharer in the gifts of the Holy Spirit .”
What Is the Significance of Godmothers and Godfathers?
When a child is christened, it is common for the family to designate a godmother and/or godfather to assist in caring for the child and raising them in the faith. These people are often family friends or relatives, and sometimes, parents.
Why Christen Children?
The Church of England explains, “Your child is precious to you and precious to God. You want the very best for them, and so does God. You want them to make right choices in life, for themselves and for others. A christening is just the beginning of this and so much more.”
Should Infants Participate in Baptism?
Some protestant churches do not agree with the idea of infant baptism, such as credo-baptists. They believe that people should be baptized when they are old enough to understand, to make the decision to follow Christ, forsaking the world, that baptism is a sign of a commitment to follow Christ.
Where Did the Idea of Infant Baptism Originate?
In the Bible, there are instances in the New Testament where households were baptized. John Piper cites the baptism of the house of Stephanas, the house of Lydia, and the house of the jailer, as examples, while explaining the idea of infant baptism: “When we look at the New Testament, the closest thing to infant baptism that we find is the reference to three “households” being baptized.”
What is the name of the baptism of a child?
Christening is known as a form of baptism, common in the Catholic or Anglican Church. Typically baptizing infants and small children, it involves a lengthy ceremony and often, the child is given a new, Christian name, in the presence of family and friends. Children receive godparents to help them along in their faith and in life and are welcomed into the Church. Christening is a significant moment these believers.
What is the difference between baptism and christening?
Even though the words baptism and christening are used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference. Christening refers to the naming ceremony (to "christen" means to "give a name to") where as baptism is one of seven sacraments in the Catholic Church . In the sacrament of Baptism the baby's name is used and mentioned, ...
What is the sacrament of baptism?
In the sacrament of Baptism the baby's name is used and mentioned, however it is the rite of claiming the child for Christ and his Church that is celebrated. Baptism represents a deliberate act of identification with the person of Jesus Christ and his Church.
Is baptism a rite of admission?
Baptism is a Christian rite of admission (or adoption), almost invariably with the use of water, into the Christian Church generally and also a particular church tradition. Baptism has been called a sacrament and an ordinance of Jesus Christ.
Is baptism valid in the Catholic Church?
It's a common misconception that the Catholic Church only recognizes its own Baptism as being valid. Catholics actually believe that any Baptism/Christening, regardless of denomination, which uses the words "in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" and involves the use of water, either through pouring or immersion, ...
Who administers baptism in an emergency?
Baptism is the only sacrament that can be administered by anyone in an emergency (i.e., in danger of death.) Although ordinarily it is administered by a priest or deacon, in an emergency the person performing the Baptism doesn't have to be Catholic or even Christian, so long as the proper form (words) and matter (water) are used.
Who baptized Jesus?
It says in the scriptures that Jesus was baptized by John. Jesus told his disciples, just before his Ascension "Go make disciples of the world, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."
Were Only Adults Baptized?
Fundamentalists are reluctant to admit that the Bible nowhere says baptism is to be restricted to adults, but when pressed, they will. They just conclude that is what it should be taken as meaning, even if the text does not explicitly support such a view. Naturally enough, the people whose baptisms we read about in Scripture are adults, because they were converted as adults. This makes sense, because Christianity was just beginning—there were no “cradle Christians.”.
Why do fundamentalists refuse to allow the baptism of infants and young children?
Fundamentalists refuse to permit the baptism of infants and young children, because they are not yet capable of making such a conscious act. But notice what Jesus said: “to such as these [referring to the infants and children who had been brought to him by their mothers] belongs the kingdom of heaven.”.
Why is baptism for adults and older children?
Fundamentalists often criticize the Catholic Church’s practice of baptizing infants. According to them, baptism is for adults and older children, because it is to be administered only after one has undergone a “born again” experience—that is, after one has “accepted Jesus Christ as his personal ...
What would happen if Paul excluded infants?
If Paul meant to exclude infants, he would not have chosen circumcision as a parallel for baptism. This comparison between who could receive baptism and circumcision is an appropriate one. In the Old Testament, if a man wanted to become a Jew, he had to believe in the God of Israel and be circumcised.
What does Peter say about baptism?
Peter explained what happens at baptism when he said, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). But he did not restrict this teaching to adults.
Why are people circumcised in the Old Testament?
In the Old Testament, those born into Jewish households could be circumcised in anticipation of the Jewish faith in which they would be raised. Thus, in the New Testament, those born in Christian households can be baptized in anticipation of the Christian faith in which they will be raised. The pattern is the same.
What does the Bible say about infant baptism?
In reality, the Bible indicates that infants are to be baptized, that they too are meant to inherit the kingdom of heaven. Further, the witness of the earliest Christian practices and writings must once and for all silence those who criticize the Catholic Church’s teaching on infant baptism. The Catholic Church is merely continuing ...
Why do we need baptism before baptism?
Rather, he writes, before baptism “we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest” (Eph 2:3). Because babies are born with original sin, they need baptism to cleanse them, so that they may become adopted sons and daughters of God and receive the grace of the Holy Spirit.
What covenant included the little ones?
The little ones had always been part of God’s covenant family. A covenant that excluded children would have been inferior to the original covenant. In reality, the grace of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant surpassesthat of the Old Covenant (see Rom 5:15), to include not only infants, but Gentiles as well.
How old were babies when they were circumcised?
Under the Old Covenant, babies were circumcised when they were eight days old (see Gn 17:12; Lv 12:3). This was the sign by which they entered into the covenant.
Why do we need to profess faith in Christ?
For adults who are to be baptized,the Church also requires them to profess their faith in Christ. Because baptism confers saving grace , the earlier a person comes to baptism, the better. In infant baptism, then, though the child is too young to have faith, the parents extend their faith on the child’s behalf.
What is the Greek word for "household"?
The Greek word for “household,” oikos, refers to all the members of a family, adults as well as infants and children. The Book of Acts speaks of whole households being baptized, so any infants and children who belonged to these households would have been included.
What does Jesus say about children?
Jesus said that the kingdom of God also belongs to children (see Mt 18:4; Mk 10:14).He never put an age limit upon those eligible to receive His grace (Lk 18:15-17; Mt 18:2-5). When St. Paul addresses the “holy ones” of the Church (see Eph 1:1; Col 1:2),these include the children, whom he addresses specifically in Ephesians 6:1 and Colossians 3:20. ...
Why do children need baptismal grace for salvation?
Why do children need baptismal grace for salvation? Because they inherit original sin from the moment of conception.
Who can receive a Catholic baptism?
Anyone who has not already been baptized can receive the sacrament of Baptism in the Catholic Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “Every person not yet baptized and only such a person is able to be baptized,” (paragraph 1246). Baptism leaves an indelible (permanent) mark on the soul and there is no way nor any reason that one could be re-baptized.
Can someone be baptized twice?
Baptizing someone twice is not necessary so long as the person was baptized in water using the Trinitarian formula described above. The only way someone could be “baptized twice” is if the original baptism was not valid. However, this would not actually be a second baptism because the first “baptism” was not a real baptism.
Does the Catholic Church accept baptisms from another church?
Yes, the Catholic Church recognizes any baptism that uses water and in which the person baptized was baptized with the Trinitarian formula. Some churches do not use the Trinitarian formula for baptism and thus their baptisms are not valid.
Why are children baptized?
Children receive baptism primarily to remove original sin, but can serve as a great family tradition to initiate one’s child into the faith of the family. Infant baptism has been debated for centuries. First, let us appeal to the Bible. John 3:5 says, “Jesus answered, ‘Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.'” Note that Jesus says “no one” can enter heaven in that passage. In the spirit of brevity here is the short answer straight from the Catechism:
What is the role of Godparents?
Their role is to take over or assist in the faith development of the person being baptized. This is especially important in the event that the parents cannot or do not adequately raise their children in the faith. Godparents can also be helpful through their prayers and example even if the child’s parents fulfill their own promise to raise the child in the faith. Therefore, the faith of the godparents is important in fulfilling the baptismal promise of being raised in the Catholic faith.
How long after the resurrection did Irenaeus say people were baptized?
Given that early Christians described rebirth in its relationship to baptism, the most reasonable interpretation of Irenaeus’s words is that people of all ages were baptized within 150 years after the Resurrection of Jesus.
What is the gift of baptism?
When it comes down to it, baptism is a gift from God to humanity. Baptism initiates us into the family of God and cleanses us of sin. We do not need to earn this gift. God gives it freely to all who are open to it.
Why is baptism important?
The sacrament of baptism is not just for the child, it is for the parents as well as they have an important role to play. They are personally responsible for upholding and inculcating Catholic faith and values into the child.
How many times can you be baptized?
Just like most sacraments in the Catholic Church, a person is baptized only once. Together with the sacrament of Holy Orders and the sacrament of Confirmation baptism confers an indelible mark on the soul of the baptized.
What is the original sin?
The original sin refers to the perpetual sin transmitted from generation to generation, tracing back to Adam and Eve. Think of baptism as a vaccine against the original sin. In catholic, baptism is the first sacrament after which comes others such as the Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation among a string of many others. ...
How many godparents are there in a baptism?
Besides parents, the baptized usually have sponsors commonly referred to as Godparents. There must be at least one Godparent, but you can have two of each gender. Traditionally, Godparents would take care of the children in the absence of parents.
What is the role of parents in infant baptism?
The Role Of Parents In Infant Baptism. The Catholic Church, especially its stance on infant baptism has been the subject of discussion and divergent views. Some believe that parents play no significant role other than presenting their baby for the sacrament of baptism before the deacon or priest.
What do all Christian denominations have in common?
All Christian denominations have one thing in common, the sacrament or practice of baptism. While some denominations such as the protestants do not advocate for infant baptism, Catholics have no problem baptizing your baby.
Why do babies wear white clothes?
In terms of dressing, the baby is clothed in white garments as a symbol of purity and a demonstration of the cleansing power of baptism. The white garment tradition is drawn from Jesus. He was placed in the tomb in white garments following his death on the cross on Good Friday.
Why should baptism be given to a newborn that hasn't yet had the chance to sin?
Baptism is about cleansing sin, so why should it be given to a newborn that hasn’t yet had the chance to sin? This is another common question explained thus: When Adam originally sinned in the Garden of Eden, his sin was inherited by the whole of humankind. It’s to remove this original sin that’s present in every human being that christening is performed. Sometimes christening is regarded as a vaccine against sin, something that protects and cleanses the child on its arrival into the world. However in the present day, it’s more generally thought of as a means of welcoming the child into the Catholic faith.
How does a christening take place?
The rite is carried out by baptising the child in water , then anointing them with holy oils. Most commonly, the ceremony takes place in a church, but afterwards there’s often a reception at the parents’ home or another venue. As this is a purely religious service with no civil purpose, unlike marriage for example, there’s no reason for it to take place anywhere other than a church unless one is unavailable. On these rare occasions, there are other traditions that have grown up, such as a christening at sea being performed using the upturned ship’s bell as a font.
What is the christening of a child?
The christening is the child’s baptism, but it’s also their naming ceremony and naturally very careful thought should be given to what you’re going to call them. Traditionally in Catholicism, a child should have been given a saint’s name as at least part of their name but these days more is flexibility given. Even so, many priests will find it very uncomfortable to christen a child with something unconventional or obviously non-Christian.
How old do you have to be to be a godparent?
A godparent still needs to be over sixteen years old and a practising Roman Catholic who has received Holy Communion and been confirmed.
What should a child wear to a christening?
For the ceremony, the child should be dressed in white or cream garments. These are often adorned with frills and lace, not unlike a wedding dress. Often in the past, the christening clothes would be fashioned from the same material as the mother’s bridal gown. Sometimes such christening gowns are handed down through the family but if that’s not the case, a range of beautiful gowns are available from Little Doves. A specially made christening gown will become a treasured keepsake and may even find itself used by many children, not just siblings, but maybe offspring and grandchildren too.
How many times does the priest pour water over a child's head?
Once they have answered all three in the affirmative, the child is baptised. The priest will pour blessed water over the child’s head three times, invoking the Holy Trinity as he does so. The parents and godparents are given a lighted candle representing Jesus as the light of the world. These three sacraments leave an indelible mark on the child’s soul; they can never be un-baptised.
What do scallop shells symbolize?
Traditionally it was popular to decorate the place with scallop shells; although they’re actually a pagan fertility symbol they’ve subsequently come to symbolise baptism as well so they’re entirely appropriate.
Overview
Duties Of Baptized
- The baptized belong to Christ and have the duty to serve others in the Church and to obey Church leaders. They have a right to the sacraments, to the nourishment of God's Word, and to all the Church's spiritual helps. They must participate in the Church's missionary activity.
Etymology
- The English word baptism is derived indirectly through Latin from the neuter Greek concept noun baptisma, which is a neologism in the New Testament derived from the masculine Greek noun baptismos, a term for ritual washing in Greek language texts of Hellenistic Judaism during the Second Temple period, such as the Septuagint. Both of these nouns are derived from the verb b…
- The Greek root-word baptizein [baptivzw] means to plunge, immerse, sink; hence to wash; to be immersed, overwhelmed (in trouble). From Jewish rules of purification concerning ritual uncleanness the word gained a technical religious connotation implying \"purification\" from all that might exclude from God's presence.
- An important fact to understand is that the word baptize means to immerse. It comes from the Greek baptizo and means dip, immerse wash (Bauer, Arndt, Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 1952, p. 131).
Purpose
- Many scholars are persuaded that the basis of 1 Peter was a sermon to the newly baptized. Certainly the message is appropriately addressed for this purpose ( 1 Peter 1:14 1 Peter 1:23 ; 1 Peter 2:2-3 1 Peter 2:10 1 Peter 2:25 ), with suitable admonition to existing and incoming church members ( 5:1-5 ). It has much to say about the gospel, faith, new birth, purification, putting asid…
- Through Baptism, God enables us to participate in his life in Jesus Christ and makes us his children. It is through this sacrament that we receive the Holy Spirit and become members of the People of God, of the Body of Christ, which is the Church. Baptism becomes our commitment to grow in this new life and to strive to acquire spiritual maturity. By baptism, God purifies us from …
- I believe there are five main reasons as to why Jesus wants us to include water baptism as part of our salvation experience with Him.
- The Baptism of the proselyte has for its purpose his cleansing from the impurity of idolatry, and the restoration to the purity of a new-born man. This may be learned from the Talmud (Soṭah 12b) in regard to Pharaoh's daughter, whose bathing in the Nile is explained by Simon b. Yoḥai to have been for that purpose. The bathing in the water is to constitute a rebirth, wherefore \"the ger is li…
Quotes
- What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even …
- If we are only saved by grace through our personal faith in Jesus and not by any type of works we can do, which will include any type of water baptism, then why is Jesus telling us that He still wants us to include water baptism as part of the actual salvation experience with Him? When we are being fully immersed into the water, we are identifying with Jesus physical death on the cros…
Origin
- Luke's account of apostolic baptism assumes the rite's original association with repentance and remission ( Acts 2:38 ), with washing away sin ( 22:16 ), and with admission to the religious community. But his emphasis falls on baptism's new features. Though the gospel era dates from the baptism John preached ( 1:22 ; 10:37 ), Christian baptism, as conferring the Holy Spirit, is co…
- Baptism was practised in ancient (Ḥasidic or Essene) Judaism, first as a means of penitence, as is learned from the story of Adam and Eve, who, in order to atone for their sin, stood up to the neck in the water, fasting and doing penanceAdam in the Jordan for forty days, Eve in the Tigris for thirty-seven days (Vita Adæ et Evæ, i. 5-8). According to Pirḳe R. El. xx., Adam stood for forty …
Lyrics
- Colossians 2:12-13 tells us that we are buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses.
- The first verse perfectly lays it out for all of us when it specifically says that there is only one baptism. The second verse then tells us what this one baptism is going to be. The second verse will then add some more meat to this revelation when it tells us exactly how we are to receive the gift of salvation and that is by making a public confession with our mouths that Jesus Christ ha…
Themes
- Paul compares the process of repentance with being crucified and putting the old man to death with Christ.
- As you will see in the verses below, water baptism is also identifying and testifying to the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Background
- The earlier Gospels do not record that Jesus himself baptized. Peter's invitation at Pentecost, Luke's record (in Acts) of fifteen baptisms, and the teaching of Paul, Peter, and John leave no doubt, however, that the first disciples believed that baptism possessed Christ's authority, as Matthew declares ( 28:19-20 ).
- The ritual of baptism is prefigured in the purification rites of Jewish law and tradition. In the Tanakh and tradition of the teachers of the Torah, a ritual bath for purification from uncleanness used to be required under specified circumstances in order to be restored to a condition of ritual purity. For example, women after menses, and after a number of blood-free days following child …
Significance
- This response was to the gospel of Jesus, Son of God and Savior, who was crucified, rose again, forgives sins, bestows the Spirit, and will come again as Judge, all summarized succinctly but clearly in baptism in or into the name of Jesus as Christ, Lord, Son of God ( 8:37 ). \"In the name\" implied Jesus' authority for the rite; \"into the name\" (8:16; 19:5) indicated passing into Jesus' o…
- Your marital status will be clarified during the baptismal preparation process. Baptism is not denied if the parents are unmarried or not married in the Roman Catholic Church. However, there may be reason to postpone Baptism if parents are not practicing the Faith, or have no intention of living a Catholic life in harmony with the Gospel. If your status is not in harmony with the Roman …
- The rite of water baptism perfectly symbolizes the purification and cleansing that we are receiving from the Lord during the salvation experience with Him. The rite of water baptism by way of a full immersion is thus a perfect outward symbol act of both the death and resurrection of Jesus. Being fully immersed in water symbolizes the death of our old life and old man and the inward re…