I mentioned baptism, simply because it is one of the doctrines that identifies Christianity as opposed to its predecessor, Judaism. Baptism is not unique to Christianity and it does have its origins in the Jewish ritual of Mikveh. Mikveh (literally "collection of water" in Hebrew) was used as a means to purify oneself after different circumstances. such circusmtances were not necessarily sinful. This ritual bathing was and is still used as a means to symbolize a conversion to Judaism. While Judaism did not actively seek converts, it allowed for procedures and rituals for those wanting to convert. Christinaity took the ritual of Mikveh and gave it a different spiritual significance. Baptism became a symbolic purification of a convert to remove Adam's original sin. The convert must accept Jesus Christ as the true savior.

However, baptism is not necessary for being saved by Jesus because Juses had the power to save above and beyond baptism. This is clear in the New Testament since in many cases those saved by Jesus simply had faith. In fact, it is not at all clear whether the apostles and Mary Magdalen and even the Virgin Mary were all baptized. However, there is some indication that John the Baptist may have baptized a lot of people prior to his death. The New Testament does show that faith alone is enough to save a person. There is no other requirement. The example of the thieves during the Crucifixion is good, as is Lazarus, and the healing of the lepers, the blind, paralytics, etc. In most cases they simply believed and they were healed or saved by faith alone.