... a number of occasions in the New Testament which show the importance of baptism for the early Christians. Mark records that many people came to John (the Baptist) in the desert to repent their sins and to be baptised. John's baptism was to prepare people for the coming of the Messiah. It was a public sign that they had turned away from their old ... selfish lives, and were making a new start. The waters of baptism washed away their sins. Jesus, himself, was baptised by John in the River Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Holy Spirit de...

• Word Count: 997
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School