Re: You haven't necessarily developed a wrong impression. - Edit 1
Before modification by Rebekah at 10/06/2011 12:17:24 PM
The definition/purpose of baptism varies widely depending on denomination. That's one of the problems with treating Christianity as a monolithic religion.
In our church, baptism is a sign and a seal of God's covenant promise to save His people. It doesn't confer salvation in any form, nor does it make a person a Christian.
so it takes the place of circumcision?
Yes.
But why did Jesus need to be baptised? Presumably he was already circumcised, what with being Jewish and all.
Symbols are important. It was to show that God was with him, the Spirit in him, and that he was prepared to submit himself to the new Covenant. I think. I am no theologian, but that's how I understand it.