Symbols of Baptism

In the Service of Christian Baptism, WATER stands for the promise of the gift of God’s grace in our lives and being flooded with the new life that is experienced through Jesus Christ.

With the LAYING ON OF HANDS by the pastor, there is the symbol of the gift of the Holy Spirit (God actively working in us and through us).

The question “By what NAME shall this child be called?” signifies that each person is called by God. The VOWS OF THE PARENTS AND OF THE CONGREGATION are their response to God and the acceptance of the responsibility to lead the newly baptized person in the understanding of Christ.

The HOLDING OF THE CHILD by the minister symbolizes the tender love of God, and it is a sign of being taken into the love and care of the church.