“Do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.” — Romans 6:3–4 (BSB)
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off…’” — Acts 2:38–39 (BSB)
“He saved us, not by righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.” — Titus 3:5–6 (BSB)
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” — Galatians 3:27 (BSB)
Baptism is not simply a personal declaration; it is God’s act of grace, bringing the baptized into covenant relationship with the Triune God. It marks one’s entrance into the visible Church and becomes the beginning of a life lived in Christ. Anglican teaching affirms that the grace offered in Baptism must be received by faith and lived out in discipleship. While Baptism is administered once, its significance unfolds throughout the Christian life.
Article XXVII of the Thirty-Nine Articles declares, “Baptism is not only a sign of profession… but it is also a sign of Regeneration or New-Birth… whereby, as by an instrument, they that receive Baptism rightly are grafted into the Church.” This teaching reflects the historic view of the Church: that Baptism is both symbolic and effectual when received rightly.
Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “Baptism is the outward sign of an inward grace, a token of God’s covenant, a seal of His mercy. It is not conversion, but it points to it and calls for it” (Knots Untied, 1874).
Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) explains, “Baptism is not just a rite of passage. It is a sacramental means by which the Holy Spirit unites us to Christ and to His people. It is the beginning of Christian life, not its completion” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).
Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) says, “In Baptism, we are marked with the name of the Trinity. We are claimed, cleansed, and called. The water itself cannot save, but Christ saves through it by His Word and Spirit” (Catechesis Forum, 2021).
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba (Church of Uganda) affirms, “Baptism is the door to the Church. It is God’s promise, not our performance. It is how we enter the covenant, receive His name, and begin the journey of faith” (Pastoral Letter, 2022).
Therefore, Baptism is more than symbol. It is a sacred mystery of grace, a beginning of new life, and the foundation of our identity as followers of Jesus Christ.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “The water of Baptism is not mere water, but water joined to the Word, and made fruitful by the Spirit. It is the visible Word of God.” — On Baptism, I.23
St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD): “Through Baptism, we are born again unto God, and the old man is buried. It is the cleansing that brings us to the new life in Christ.” — Against Heresies, III.17.1
St. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD): “Those who are persuaded and believe the truth are brought to the place of water, and there reborn in the same way we ourselves were reborn.” — First Apology, 61
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
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