Baptism

Baptism

Definition: The word “baptize” comes from the Greek ba·pti′zein, meaning “to dip, to plunge.” (A Greek-English Lexicon, by Liddell and Scott) Christian water baptism is an outward symbol that the one being baptized has made a complete, unreserved, and unconditional dedication through Jesus Christ to do the will of Jehovah God. The Scriptures also refer to John’s baptism, baptism with holy spirit, and baptism with fire, among others.

bap⋅tism

  [bap-tiz-uhm] Show IPA

–noun

1.	Ecclesiastical. a ceremonial immersion in water, or application of water, as an initiatory rite or sacrament of the Christian church.

2.	any similar ceremony or action of initiation, dedication, etc.

3.	a trying or purifying experience or initiation.

4.

bap⋅tis⋅mal  [bap-tiz-muhl] Show IPA , adjective

bap⋅tis⋅mal⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms: 2. induction, admittance, introduction.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.