What is the primary purpose of baptism in the Christian and Missionary Alliance?

The primary purpose of baptism in the Christian and Missionary Alliance is to serve as an act of obedience to Christ’s command. This aligns with the teachings found in the New Testament, where Jesus commands His followers to be baptized as a public declaration of their faith (Matthew 28:19-20). Baptism is seen as an essential step in the believer's journey, symbolizing their identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

It is important to recognize that baptism also signifies a commitment to follow Christ and is often accompanied by a broader understanding of the believer's repentance and faith. While it does have ceremonial aspects and is a significant part of church practice, the emphasis in the C&MA is primarily on obedience and the believer's relationship with Christ.

The other options do not reflect the theological significance or the intent of baptism within the C&MA. For example, fulfilling a ceremonial obligation does not capture the relational aspect of obedience to Christ; marking social status within the church is contrary to the egalitarian principles upheld in the Alliance; and symbolizing wealth and prosperity misrepresents the foundational Christian beliefs surrounding baptism, which is more about spiritual transformation than material gain.