To understand the wonder of Baptism, we must go all the way back to creation itself and the unique, life-giving place of water and new life shown there. From there, we watch the story of Baptism in salvation history unfold, first in the nation of Israel and culminating in the work of Jesus and his Apostles. The stage is set for this very moment in time: the moment when each individual is baptized and brought into newness of life, fellowship with God, and the community of faith. This is the beginning of a new life ... and a new creation.