John the Baptist offered and administered a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Christian baptism has its warrant. Though some scholars attribute this Trinitarian formula to a later date, it is not unreasonable to believe that Jesus himself instituted baptism in much the same way that he instituted the Holy Communion. At the very least, in submitting to John's baptism, he provided his followers with an example. Christian baptism is usually administered at the beginning of the Christian life.
Christian baptism is administered in three modes.
When immersion is practiced, the pastor lowers the person being baptized into the water until he or she is completely covered, then raises them up again. When sprinkling is practiced, the pastor dips his or her fingers into the baptismal font or bowl, then sprinkles water upon the head of the person being baptized. When pouring is practiced, the pastor uses a baptismal bowl or pitcher to pour water upon the head of the person being baptized. There are three modes, but there is only one baptism. From time to time, Moravians have employed all three modes of baptism.