But Baptism is not just symbolic, an initiation ritual making you a member of God's family. It also makes a grace present, and that grace is utterly spectacular. It is nothing less than the total forgiveness of sins committed up to that time, and includes original sin. The two principal effects of Baptism are purification from sins and new birth in the Holy Spirit, because, as Jesus said, we must be born again of water and the Spirit, or we cannot enter His Kingdom. The rite of Baptism is very simple.
Baptism is also the sacrament at which a person receives a 'name'.
Jesus was the model for this, in that he renamed Simon as Peter to show his new mission as Head of the Apostles. Saul took the new name of Paul. In the sacrament of Confirmation, another name can also be taken, to show the links this sacrament has with Baptism. At baptism, a candle is lit, to show that the light of God now fills this person's soul, and to remind them that the fire of the Holy Spirit will descend upon them at Confirmation. A white piece of material is used, either as a little garment for a baby or a symbolic wearing for an adult, to show the cleanliness of the soul after Baptism.