Baptism is a significant sacrament in Christianity, with its definition and importance deeply rooted in the Bible. Here's an elaboration on the subject:

Definition:

Baptism, as described in the Bible, is a sacred ritual through which a person is initiated into the Christian faith. It involves the symbolic act of immersing a believer in water or sprinkling water on them as a sign of purification, regeneration, and dedication to God. The word "baptism" itself is derived from the Greek word "baptizo," which means "to immerse" or "to wash."

Importance:

Spiritual Cleansing: Baptism is seen as a form of spiritual cleansing and forgiveness of sins. In the Bible, it is often associated with repentance and the forgiveness of sins, symbolizing the washing away of one's sins through faith in Jesus Christ.

New Birth: Baptism is considered a symbol of rebirth or regeneration. In John 3:5, Jesus teaches that one must be "born of water and the Spirit" to enter the kingdom of God. This points to the idea of baptism as a spiritual rebirth, where a person is made new in Christ.

Identification with Christ: Baptism is a way for Christians to publicly identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Romans 6:3-4, it is said that believers are baptized into Christ's death and raised to walk in newness of life.