Baptism is a visible sign given by Jesus that represents something real but invisible to the eye (the union of believers with Jesus). It is similar to how a wedding ring symbolises the more important reality of the marriage itself.

In Romans 6:4, the apostle Paul explains baptism in this way:

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 

In this way, the baptismal candidate going into the water (or being sprinkled with water) represents dying with Christ to the old life of sin and coming out of the water represents rising to a new life with Jesus as King.

It is important to stress that baptism is not the way someone is magically made right with God any more than someone gets married simply by putting a wedding ring on their finger. The water we use doesn’t have any magical or mystical qualities. It is normal water. On the flipside, being unbaptised does not cancel a genuine Christian persons’ union with Christ any more than losing your wedding ring cancels your marriage.

Baptism also offers an opportunity for candidate to declare their own faith and serious intention to continue in the faith. In the case of the baptism of infants, the parents make such declarations and promise to raise the child in the Christian faith.

However, more than being a symbol of faith, baptism is first and foremost a symbol of God’s grace in saving underserving sinners from condemnation for sin. In this way, baptism should not be treated lightly not because the water ritual is special in itself, but because what it represents is amazing.

If you would like to explore the possibility of being baptised at All Saints (for yourself or your infant child) please contact the church office for a copy of our baptism policy.