st mary's church, billingshurst
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Sussex
Baptism guide
What is Baptism?
It is a symbolic washing with water; a spiritual cleansing.
Why do we do this?
Because none of us is perfect, and we all need God’s forgiveness. Baptism marks the turning away from selfishness and other evils and wrongs in our lives, and a turning towards Christ.
When did Baptism start?
Baptism goes back to the time of Jesus. Jesus had a cousin called John who was a preacher and, because he baptised people, was known as John the Baptist. John told the crowds that they were 'sinners' because they did not live as God wanted them to live. By being plunged into the water of the River Jordan by John, people showed their willingness both to be washed from their bad ways, and to try to live God's way from then on.
Was Jesus baptised?
Yes. John the Baptist at first refused to baptise Jesus, because he knew Jesus had never done anything wrong. But Jesus persisted – so John went ahead. Christians are baptised today to follow Jesus' example, and to show that they believe, trust and obey him.
What Baptism is not:
Baptism isn’t magic; it is not an automatic 'fix' or insurance policy that will place an aura of protection around your child. Nor is it a ritual that guarantees the child will remain a lifelong Christian.
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