Baptism is a Christian sacrament or ordinance involving the use of water, symbolizing spiritual purification, rebirth, and initiation into the Christian faith and community. It can be performed by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling of water on a person, typically in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

. The practice originates from the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist and is commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) as an act of obedience and public profession of faith

. Baptism represents a believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, symbolizing dying to sin and rising to new life in Jesus

. It is considered a rite of initiation into the Christian community and often marks the beginning of a new life devoted to God. Theologically, baptism signifies the washing away of sins, including original sin, and the reception of the Holy Spirit in many traditions

. In summary, baptism is both a symbolic and sacramental act that publicly declares a person's faith in Christ, cleanses from sin, and welcomes them into the body of believers