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The Meaning of Baptism

Baptism has been an important element of the Christian faith from its beginnings.

It was Jesus himself who was baptised to show solidarity with the people whom he came to save, as well as giving a direct command to his Disciples and those who came after them to make disciples [Matthew 28.18-20].

Making disciples is further explained as baptising them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teaching them everything Jesus commanded.

So, from its origins, one of the outward marks of a disciple of Christ is the sign of baptism.

Baptism has a twofold function. It is primarily a sign of the salvation that is won through the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Apostle Paul speaks of being baptised into Christ's death and being raised with him to new life [Romans 5].

In this light, Baptism is an outward sign, pointing to what God has done. Baptism is also a pledge of allegiance. The Christian person publicly commits themselves to be a disciple of Christ. In this sense it is a sign for the believer and for the church and for the world.

The Anglican Church regards the baptism of children of believing parents as a right and proper thing to do: "The Baptism of young Children is in any wise to be retained in the Church, as most agreeable with the institution of Christ" .  This is not saying that the child is saved on the basis of the faith of the parents, but that we as Christian parents trust God's sovereign provision for our families.