Water plays a significant role in Scripture. It appears in the very beginning when God moved over the face of the waters. Later, water was used to cleanse the earth and begin again through the descendants of Noah. When the children of Israel were brought out of Egypt, they passed safely through the water of the Red Sea in their escape from Pharaoh's army. When they were thirsty in the wilderness, springs of water were brought forth from the rock.

The sanctuary service included the washing and cleansing at the golden sea (laver). At the end of their wandering, the Israelites passed through the Jordan into the Promised Land. Jesus began His ministry by being baptized by John in the Jordan. The night before His crucifixion, Jesus stooped to wash the disciples' feet. At Pentecost, the day that marks the beginning of the church and the intercessory work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, 3,000 new "members" were baptized. And the promise of Scripture assures us that one day we will all gather around the Sea of Glass, which is formed by the River of Life proceeding from God's throne.

Most reading this article have had the experience of following the example of Christ by being baptized. It marks the passing away of the old life of living for self and the new life of living for Christ.

"By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings."1

Whether in a heated baptistry in a beautiful church, a portable tank or swimming pool at camp meeting, a river, creek, or a lake at summer camp, or even a bathtub in a nursing home, this holy rite of passage is God's chosen method to signify the rebirth experience necessary for eternal life.

The cover theme of this issue refers to a song mentioned in Walter Wright's editorial, the words of which signify an essential element and truth about the rite of baptism. The appeal, "take me to the water," signifies the community of the church. Baptism is not something that one does for oneself. Christ did not even baptize Himself, but came to John on the banks of the Jordan. You will recall that John did not feel worthy to fulfill Christ's request, and none of us are worthy to baptize. It is not an act performed by the holy on the unholy, but sinners saved by grace serve in obedience to Christ's command, "Go throughout the whole world and make disciples, baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to follow all of my commands" (see Matthew 28:18–20).

For further study see Romans 6:1–6; Colossians 2:12, 13; Acts 16:30–33; 22:16; 2:38; Matthew 28:19, 20.

Gary Burns is the Lake Union Conference communication director.

1. Source: www. adventist.org/beliefs/fundamental/index.html. Seventh-day Adventist Fundamental Belief, No. 15