"Go, therefore,
and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of
the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the holy Spirit, ...."
(Mt 28:19)

The above command was given by Christ to his apostle before returning to his heavenly Father and in Christ's mind water was to be used as we read, "Amen, Amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit." (Jn 3:5)

As we have seen, water is an integral part of earth's life which calls to mind the wind moving over the primal waters, the evolution of life in the sea, Noah's Flood which destroyed wickedness, Israelis passage through the Sea of Reeds, the water from the rock in the desert and John baptizing in the Jordan River. So, the choice of water was a given by Heaven because it symbolizes life as no other earthly reality can.

Baptism is a Sacred Sign (Sacrament) because it effects what it signifies.

What does Baptism signify and bring to realization?

Descending into the water signifies dying with Christ while emerging from the water means rising to new life with Christ. (Rm 6:4)

Through Baptism, Christ victory over sin and death becomes operative in our souls banishing the Sin of the World (Original Sin) and the powers of darkness which held humanity bound to a life without the vision of God.

The ineffable love of God the Father, Son and Spirit begins to engender in our hearts aspirations of Faith, Hope and Love enabling us to call God Our Father.

Baptized in Water
(Tune: Morning Has Broken)

Baptized with water, Sealed by the Spirit,
Dead in the tomb with Christ our King:
One with his rising, Freed and forgiven,
Thankfully now God's praise we sing.

Athirst is my soul for God, the living God.
When shall I see the face of God?

Batism of Blood or Desire