Jesus died and rose to bring sinners to God, and in baptism he applies the fruit of his saving work to us. Those who were alienated from God are restored to communion. They are plunged into the loving grace of God, which pardons and cleanses. In baptism the old person dies and rises with Christ, and is renewed daily as we take fresh plunges into the life, death and resurrection of Christ and are converted anew. God wants to deal with us in baptism as we repent and put our trust in him.
Baptism marks entry into the church.
It is the decision to follow Jesus as disciple and the determination to walk in newness of life. The New Testament offers a variety of statements and images of baptism, and these have given rise to differing interpretations and emphases in the churches. Baptism is a purification, an incorporation, a new birth, an illumination, a consecration and a seal. Like Christ himself, the believer is anointed by the Spirit in baptism to share in the offices of prophet, priest and king. From baptism we go to proclaim the praises of God, offer up spiritual sacrifices and share in Christ's reign.