Christianity was introduced into Africa in the last half of the 2nd Century AD, probably by missionaries from Rome, and then spread through the other African provinces. Baptism as the initiatory rite of Christianity holds the first place among the sacrament. The word baptism is derived from the Greek word "baptizo," to wash or to immerse. .
According to the bible, baptism is a rite or washing with water as a sign of religious purification and consecration. This rite was practiced frequently in the Old Testament and later in the New Testament for instance John the Baptist's "repentance for the forgiveness of sin ". .
In Matthew, chapter 3, we see Jesus shepherded in his ministry on earth by being baptized. Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized. He then went up out of the water, the heavens opened, and the spirit of god inclined on Him. And a voice from heaven said, "this is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased"" Matthew 3:13 (NIV). It symbolized a pure and cleansed person free from sin and devoted to God through sacrament. A sacrament is an outward and visible sign with an inward and spiritual meaning.
These are some of the ways Christians have wished to be identified with Christ; .
1. Time.
Evenhanded with how important it was for Jesus to be baptized, so is the baptism in the Anglican church of Kenya (ACK) society. Easter or any other day between Easter and Pentecost was the time set for the solemn running of baptism.
As infants haven't sinned yet, they are brought forth to receive the promise of future forgiveness when joined by faith to Jesus and acceptance of his sacrifice on the cross. A baby's baptism is the beginning of a new life. .
Whereas an individual has wronged, sinned or gone against gods will, they can still go back into the church and get baptized once again. Newly believing adult (or older child), may recite particular words from the scripture during a weekly church service as the ceremony arises.
