Baptism continues to be one of the most difficult theological subjects in the Christian world today. Our effort is to express the Biblical basis of Baptism along with patristic writings which reflect the Tradition of the ancient Church.

Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of the water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God." John 3:5

Then Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to every one whom the Lord our God shall call." Acts 2:38-39

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27

Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16

According to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22

There is also an antitype which now saves us, namely baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God). I Peter 3:21

"Go therefore and make all nations my disciples; baptize men everywhere in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and teach them to observe all that I have commanded you". Jesus according to St. Matthew 28:19.

There are some very clear statements in Scripture which have been historically taught in the Church as verified by the ancient Creeds. Baptism is a commandment of Jesus through which His grace is imparted (a Sacrament). Baptism brings about the remission of sins and entrance into the mystical Body of Christ. Baptism is a key to the salvation of man being as natural to spiritual life as birth is to physical life.

One having received Christian Baptism is part of the Body of Christ, but (according to Apostolic Constitutions) one who out of contempt will not be baptized will be condemned to be an unbeliever.

The Scripture speaks of baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19) where there is much water (John 3:23 and Acts 8:38). Tradition requires that baptism be by immersion (that is the meaning of the word in Greek) with certain exceptions. The exceptions would be in case of physical impediments or non-availability of much water. Then pouring was permitted and later sprinkling possible.

Generally, the Priest or Bishop administered baptism but any believer can properly baptize. In the Orthodox tradition, confirmation (chrismation) immediately follows. In Western tradition, Confirmation follows months or years later.

There has never been a question concerning who is subject to baptism. Basically, the answer until the Reformation has been "anyone that is not baptized". The ancients baptized infants on the third day, some on the eighth day following the Jewish custom. After all, they were born into a Christian family; they would be raised Christian. These children would take the faith unto themselves as verified in Confirmation.

The Scripture also teaches that one receives "the gift of the Holy Spirit" at baptism. This gift of the Holy Spirit, many ancients teach, is different than the "release" or "baptism" of the Holy Spirit that comes by the laying on of hands of the Bishop in Confirmation.

Basically, then, Baptism is the First Sacrament of the Church. It is for the remission of sins bringing one into contact with the Blood of Jesus Christ placing one in the Body of Christ, His Church. It is the re-enactment of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. It is the starting point and brings about the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is for infants, children and adults who have never been baptized. It places one in a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ. Without Baptism, one is not in such a relationship.