Rist was baptized in the jordan river by john the baptist. baptism with water, practiced since the beginning of the church, represents admission into the christian community and is essential for salvation. "truly, truly, i say to you, unless one is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of god." (john 3: 5) in christianity, baptism is a sign of “repentance and forgiveness of sins” (mark 1: 4) and the beginning of the life in christ within the church. christians are baptized in the name god: “father, and the son and the holy spirit” (matt. 28: 19). as well, through baptism christians associate with the death, burial and resurrection of jesus: “and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you […] by the resurrection of jesus christ.” (1 peter 3: 21)
