Christian Baptism And Its Influence On The Life Of Adherents

Christian religious practises, such as baptism, have a deeply significant influence on the lives of adherents. Most Christian denominations, apart from Quakers and Salvation Army, practise baptism. Which is a salvation ritual based upon the old Jewish tradition of “Mikvah”, which is the process of purification through ritual bathing. Baptism is also an initiation ritual in which has many important symbols, the most important being water, which symbolises the cleansing of original sin. It has an important role in adherent’s lives as it connects the individual to the teachings, practises and life of the community, as well as this it supports and strengthens the community. Baptism is a deeply significant practise for adherents of Christianity.
The most prominent symbol is water; it symbolises purification, rebirth and reflects the belief in God the creator. In the ceremony, water can be presented through sprinkling, pouring or immersion. Each denomination has different practises, for example, Catholic Church baptisms use sprinkling and pouring whereas orthodox baptisms consist of being immersed briefly 3 times to symbolise the trinity. Immersion represents the individual being surrounded by and imbued with the beliefs and practises of the Christian church. Another important aspect of baptism is the Profession of Faith, which is a public declaration of their faith either made by the adherent, in adult baptism, or by the parents or godparents on behalf of the adherent, in infant baptism. The sign of the cross is used frequently throughout the ceremony to ensure the trinity is a central aspect of the ritual. Often while making this sign of the cross, oil is used. This oil is known as the Oil of Chrism, which symbolises healing, strength and is also used in the sense of mandating. It also alludes to the “anointing of a king”, such as the anointing of Saul,. This scripture passage emphasises the significance of oil and symbolism in a baptism
It done in public as a full acknowledgement and testimony to others in the community of the acceptance by the person to be baptised and the Grace of God bestowed on them. Baptism is a community event as it not only has an affect on the individual but the boarder community, it has a uniting ability as expressed in scriptures such as. Baptism expresses Christian history and beliefs and sharing this event in a public way, it not only expressing the individual’s commitment to the church and beliefs but it provides opportunity for members of the community to renew the baptismal promises. It also allows them to strengthen and remain true to their faith as often over time Christian life is often counter-cultural and remaining faithful to ones individual commitment is not easy. The community is benefitted by newly baptised as the community become enriched with faith and the commitment encourages others whose own commitment may have