Baptism was grounded in Jesus' own submission to baptism under John. By this act he entered into solidarity with lost humanity as its representative and began to live a life of costly service that would lead to his sacrificial death. In baptism we too begin a journey of faith with Christ in the direction of hope and redemption of the world. Sacrament of New Life Baptism has many connotations and a rich set of meanings. No mere symbol, it is a sacrament of grace, and associated with it are many blessings.
Baptism is the sign of reconciliation.
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.