baptism

• Baptism


  Sacrament by which God cleanses all sin, and one becomes a member of the church.
• Ritual defilement


  Impurity.
• Forgiveness

  God's merciful pardon for our sins.
• Messiah

  Anointed one.
• Ascension

  The "going up" into Heaven of the Risen Christ forty days after his Resurrection. Jesus told his disciples to baptise everyone in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit just before he ascended to heaven.
• Gifts of the Holy Spirit

  Wisdom, understanding, right judgement, courage, knowledge, reverence, awe and wonder in God's presence.
• Infant Baptism

  Initiation of babies and young children into the Church, where promises are taken on their behalf by adults. The infant is washed in water which frees them from original sin and symbolises a spiritual rebirth. Catholic and Anglican churches use a font and pour water over the baby's head three times. Orthodox Christians fully immerse the naked baby in the font.
• Font

  Structure containing holy water used in Baptism.
• Trinitarian Formula

  "I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
• Believers' Baptism

  Initiation into the Church, by immersion in water, of people old enough to understand the ceremony/rite and willing to live a Christian life. Some denominations prefer this to infant baptism. This form of baptism contains many similarities to the baptism of Jesus. Baptist and Pentecostal Churches only use this Baptism.
• Declaration of Penitence

  Said during a Believers' Baptism, stating they are truly sorry for sin. They state their faith in Christ as their personal Saviour and their intention to show lifelong dedication to the service of Christ.
• The Right-Hand of the Fellowship

  A handshake done by the minister at a Believers' Baptism to welcome them into the community on behalf of the community.