BAPTISM

• Baptism - First Sacrament of Initiation
• Early Christianity’s understanding of Baptism was focused on: “Removal Of Original Sin”
• SHEOL - place for souls; not heaven and purgatory
• WATER BAPTISM - Normal Sacrament of baptism with water in imitation of Jesus Christ and in obedience to His commandments.
• BAPTISM BY BLOOD - This is received by those who, without having been baptized, give their lives as martyrs for Christ.
• BAPTISM OF DESIRE - This is received by those who, desiring Baptism, die before receiving.
• The Ministry of Service and Healing - Kingly
• The Ministry of Teaching - Prophetic
• The Ministry of Prayer and Worship - Priestly
• CROSS ⁃ received and put on the forehead. ⁃ BADGE OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
• WHITE GARMENT ⁃ Purity and Manifestation of the “New Man”
• The colour WHITE represents that the stain of Original Sin is no longer upon the Child.
• OIL OF CHRISM ⁃ The Attractiveness of being a follower of Jesus
• WATER ⁃ reminds us that God gives us Life. ⁃ signifies CLEANSING and PURITY ⁃ washes our sins.
• LIGHT ⁃ giving of the lighted candle ⁃ Symbolizes our faith.