Pope Shenouda III
Since the beginning of Christianity, baptism has been an inseparable part of accepting the . Especially that it is an undisputed commandment by Christ Himself.
His Holy and imperative commandment is “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matt.28: 19). He also commanded: "He who believes and is baptised will be saved" (Mark. 16:16). If baptism were meant to be only a sign, the Lord would have not given it all that importance.