immersion
Quick Summary
Immersionism is a Christian doctrine that holds immersion as essential for baptism. Baptism itself is a sacrament of admission into Christianity, typically involving water and a Trinitarian invocation. While some traditions pour or sprinkle water, immersion—fully or partially submerging the candidate—is a significant form. This practice has roots in Judaism, where ritual immersion symbolized purification and consecration. In Christian theology, immersion is often likened to sharing in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. While early Christian baptism practices varied, by the second century, the use of water and the Trinitarian invocation became standard.12
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