Baptism is an __ with Christ.

• A. Association
• B. Initiation
• C. Identification
• D. Inauguration

Answer: (C)

Baptism expresses identification with Christ. It signals that the believer has united with Jesus in his death to sin and is raised to new life in him. The outward act looks like a personal declaration: the old self is laid to rest and the new life belongs to Christ, showing a real belonging to him rather than a mere association or a ritual initiation. Identification emphasizes a living relationship with Christ—standing in solidarity with him and sharing in what he accomplished through his death, burial, and resurrection. This goes beyond the idea of simply being connected to a person (association) or entering a community (initiation) or starting a formal process (inauguration). Scripture presents baptism as this inward union made visible—believers are united with Christ in his death and resurrection through the practice (for example, Romans 6:3–4; Colossians 2:12).