The Significance Of Baptism In The Early Christian Community

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Baptism is a Christian right that admits a candidate into the Christian community. Baptism is the ceremonial immersion aspiration or affusion of an individual, as way of showing they have joined or are joining the Christian community. Most individuals in the early Christian community experienced baptism as adults however the ritual has changed overtime and today it is best described as the rite of initiation welcoming a person into the church family. It may be executed, according to denominational beliefs, as infant or believers’ baptism. Baptism expresses the beliefs of Christianity through symbols, actions and rituals as well as having huge significance for the individual and the community at large.

Significance of baptism to the adherent …show more content…

In many cases the individual taking part in the ritual wears white garments either as an adult, child or infant. In the orthodox traditions these garments are applied after the immersion of water and the cleansing of sins acting as a symbol of purity. Exorcism are done to ensure cleanliness of the soul, and scriptures are read to explain the significance, Jesus’ story is also told to encourage more people. Water symbolises god spiritually cleansing the person, the oil of chrism symbolises the holy spirit healing and baptismal handle is the light of god bestowed upon the person. The communal significance of baptism is highlighted through the role of godparents/sponsors of the individual; these contributions are part of the Christian community and act as guides into the new Christian life as well as mentors for the neophyte as they face the challenges and difficulties of life. The entire community bears responsibility for the faith life of the new adherent; this is why many churches have announcements of upcoming baptism and actual services performed during community gatherings. “For all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all in one Jesus Christ” (Galatians 3:27-28). The belief is that through baptism, Christians are not only born into a new community, but they are born into a new single community committed to sharing the mission of Jesus in the

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