Given that Robbie's baptism is just a few days away I figured it would be an ideal time to take a look at Baptism in Scripture and see what it says. After all, baptism is a hotly debated issue among Christians and has been the center of some debate at Genesis in light of the diverse theological backgrounds of those who are part of the group. In the next few days I'll address the following issues:

• John and a Baptism of Repentance
• The Baptism of Jesus
• What Happens in Baptism
• Who Should be Baptized

Now, onto the definition. Quite simply, baptism means to wash. Expanding on this, BDAG defines baptism as:

1. wash ceremonially for purpose of purification
2. to use water in a rite for purpose of renewing or establishing a relationship
3. to cause someone to have an extraordinary experience akin to an initiatory water-rite

It is important to note in the definition of baptism that the quantity of water is not laid out nor is a immersion required. We're simply dealing with water (be it a drip, a splash, a pour, or a dunk) used to wash ... although I will admit that, in light of Romans 6, I love the symbolism of immersion.