What is Baptism? The New Testament word "baptism" (from Greek βαπτίζω baptizo: "immerse, sink, plunge, drench, overwhelm", "performing ablutions", i.e., ritual washing) is usually performed by denominational churches as a rite of admission, almost invariably with the use of water, into their denomination or particular church tradition or into the Body of Christ. Baptism has been called by some a sacrament and an ordinance of Jesus Christ. In some traditions, baptism is also called christening; but for others the word "christening" is reserved for the baptism of infants. In Luke 12:50 - Jesus referred to the overwhelming nature of his impending death as being a baptism.
The New Testament reports that Jesus himself was baptized in water The usual form of baptism among the earliest Christians was for the candidate to be immersed totally (submersion) or partially (standing or kneeling in water while water was poured on him or her). While John the Baptist's use of the Jordan river for his baptisms suggests immersion, pictorial and archaeological evidence of Christian baptism from the 3rd century onward indicates that the normal form was to have the candidate stand in water while water was poured over the upper body. Other common forms of baptism now in use include pouring water three times on the forehead.
Martyrdom was identified early in Church history as "baptism by blood", enabling martyrs who had not been baptized by water to be saved. Later, the Catholic Church identified a baptism of desire, by which those preparing for baptism who die before actually receiving the sacrament are considered saved. As evidenced also in the common Christian practice of infant baptism, baptism was universally seen by Christians as in some sense necessary for salvation, until Huldrych Zwingli in the 16th century denied its necessity.
Today, some Christians, particularly Quakers and the Salvation Army, do not see baptism as necessary, and do not practice the rite. Among those that do, differences can be found in the manner and mode of baptizing and in the understanding of the significance of the rite. Most Christians baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (following the Great Commission), but some baptize in Jesus' name only. Most Christians baptize infants; many others hold that only believer’s baptism is true baptism. Some insist on submersion or at least partial immersion of the person who is baptized, others consider that any form of washing by water, as long as the water flows on the head, is sufficient. "Baptism" has also been used to refer to any ceremony, trial, or experience by which a person is initiated, purified, or given a name.
John the Baptist declared to the crowds that he baptised in water, but the Messiah who would follow him would baptize the people with the Holy Spirit and fire - John 1:33; Mark 1:8; 3:11. Although Jesus had spent over three years with his apostles and had given them power and authority over all evil spirits and had even breathed on them to receive the Spirit - Jesus never baptised anyone in water and it was only after His death and ascention into heaven that He told His apostles that they would be baptised/immersed in the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5 This baptism with the Holy Spirit occurred on the day of Pentecost when the Spirit descended upon them and filled the room leading to the gospel being preached for the first time to the Jews. Acts 2:1-4, 33 Peter concludes that first sermon, in which he explains the Pentecostal miracle, with the demand: ‘Repent, and be baptised everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ’ (Acts 2.38). What happened to the disciples at Pentecost is now avilable to any believer who repents and asks for the infilling of the Holy Spirit in Jeus' name.
Baptism truly was an integral part of the overall experience of becoming a Christian in the early church. It was associated with being united with Christ (Rom. 6:4-5) and putting on Christ (Gal. 3:27). Even the forgiveness of sins was connected to baptism because it serves as the external statement of that internal event. It is even likely that baptism may have served analogously in becoming a member of the New Covenant community as a counterpart to the Old Testament practice of circumcision (Col. 2:11-12). There is little question that baptism was virtually the first thing a Christian did after responding in faith to the gospel (Acts 2:38; 8:34-38; 10:45-48; 16:31-34).
With all its importance, however, baptism was never absolutely necessary for a person to become justified before G-d. The New Testament insists only on the internal work of repentance/faith (e.g. John 3:15 and 36; 5:24; Acts 2:21; 10:43; 15:9), this requisite given in the New Testament at least 60 times with no mention of baptism. I prefer the story of the repentant thief on the cross who never fulfilled any denominational church doctrines including baptism and yet, was assured by my LORD, "Today, shalt thou be with me in Paradise."
How was the unbaptised thief saved?
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me"
Jesus said, "I am the door, by me, if any man enter in, he shall be saved"
There is only one way to Heaven and this thief took the only way that anyone can be saved!
Here is a clear picture of salvation as found nowhere else in the Holy Bible. Here on Golgotha's hill: Calvary - where the Son of G-d died so that the sons of men might live - where the blood of a King was shed for sinful humanity - where the angels wept and the devils rejoiced - where all the sin of the world was laid on the One who had no sin - Jesus cried out as they hung Him there on the cross, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do" - and here at the cross, a sinful but repentant thief got everlasting redemption - and here we all can now come to repent and freely receive salvation, life and joy and our own eternal salvation - this is the truest Bibical picture of Jesus' salvation that I know of.
History of the Jewish Mikveh
The term mikveh in Hebrew literally means a collection - generally a collection of water, but is specifically used in Jewish law for the waters or bath for the ritual immersion in Judaism to gain ritual purity. The building of the mikveh was so important in ancient times it was said to take precedence over the construction of a synagogue. Immersion was so important that it occurred before the High Priest conducted the service on the Day of Atonement, before the regular priests participated in the Temple service, before each person entered the Temple complex, before a scribe wrote the name of G-d, as well as several other occasions. Today, some Jewish funeral homes have a mikveh for immersing a body during the purification procedure (tahara) before burial.
The Mishnah attributes to Ezra a decree that each male should immerse himself before praying or studying. There were several Jewish groups that observed ritual immersion every day to assure readiness for the coming of the Messiah. The Early Church Fathers mentioned one of these groups called Hemerobaptists which means "daily bathers" in Greek. Among those used to regular immersion were the Essenes and others that the Talmud calls tovelei shaharit or "dawn bathers." On the third day of creation we see the source of the word mikveh for the first time in Genesis 1:10 when the Lord says, "...to the gathering (mikveh) of waters, He called seas." Because of this reference in Genesis the ocean is still a legitimate mikveh. (The Mishnah or Mishna (Hebrew: משנהor "repetition", from the verb shanah שנה, or "to study and review", also "secondary" (derived from the adj. שני)) is the first major written redaction of the Jewish oral traditions called the "Oral Torah" and the first major work of Rabbinic Judaism.)
The Mikveh Around The Temple
The New Testament tells us that many of the early church's daily activities were centered around the Temple. Historically, we know that there were many ritual immersion baths (mikveh) on the Temple Mount including one in the Chamber of Lepers situated in the northwest corner of the Court of Women (Mid. 2:5). Josephus tells us that even during the years of war (66-73 A.D.) the laws of ritual immersion were strictly adhered to (Jos. Wars, 4:205). The Temple itself contained immersion baths in various places for the priests to use, even in the vaults beneath the court (Commentary to Tam. 26b; Tam. 1:1). The High Priest had special immersion pools in the Temple, two of which are mentioned in the Mishnah. We are told one of these was in the Water Gate in the south of the court and another was on the roof of the Parva Chamber (Mid. 1:4; Mid. 5:3). There was an additional place for immersion on the Mount of Olives which was connected with the burning of the red heifer (Par. 3:7). A special ramp led to the mikveh on the Mount of Olives from the Temple Mount, which was built as an arched way over another arched way to avoid uncleanness from the graves in the valley below. Recent archaeological excavations have found 48 different mikvaot near the Monumental Staircase leading into the Temple Complex.
Three Basic Areas
According to Jewish law there are three basic areas where immersion in the mikveh is required.
1. Immersion is required for both men and women when converting to Judaism. There were three prerequisites for a proselyte coming into Judaism: Circumcision, baptism, and sacrifice (Maimonides, Hilkh. Iss. Biah xiii. 5). 2. Immersion is required after a woman has her monthly period (Lev. 15:28). 3. Immersion is required for pots and eating utensils manufactured by a non-Jew (Encyclopedia of Jewish Religion p-263). Besides these, there are other times when it is customary to be immersed in the mikveh such as the occasion before Yom Kippur as a sign of purity and repentance and before the Sabbath in order to sensitize oneself to the holiness of the day.
The Six Descending Orders of Ritual Immersion
There are six descending orders of ritual baths in the Mishnah and the highest order is that of living water from a spring or flowing river. We see Jesus understanding and fulfilling this order in Matthew 3:16 as He comes to be baptized in the Jordan River "fulfilling all righteousness." This highest order was called Living Water and illustrated the forgiving of sins, therefore, we hear Jesus using this term concerning Himself (John 4:10-11).
The Water Restrictions
There were also six basic restrictions on the water used in the mikveh including such rules as: (1) the mikveh can not contain other liquid besides water. (2) The mikveh containing the water has to be either built into the ground or be an integral part of a building attached to the ground. (3) The mikveh can not be flowing except for a natural spring, river or ocean. (4) The water can not be manually drawn. (5) The water can not be channeled to the mikveh by anything unclean. (6) The mikveh must contain at least 40 sa'ah or approximately 200 gallons of water. The term sa'ah is an ancient Biblical measurement equivalent to approximately five gallons. All six requirements come from the original Hebrew words found in Leviticus 11:36. Rabbi Yitzchok ben Sheshes said the amount of 40 sa'ah was derived from the idea that the largest normal human body has a volume of 20 sa'ah, therefore the amount of water needed to "nullify" this body is double this amount or 40 sa'ah.
Why Be Immersed?
To the ancient Jew, the mikveh was a process of spiritual purification and cleansing, especially in relation to the various types of Turmah or ritual defilement when the Temple was in use. Although G-d has not revealed all the meaning of the mikveh, it is obvious because of the amount of space given to it in Scripture, and the effort of Jesus to fulfill it, the command is of utmost importance. All commands of the Lord fall into three categories:
1. The moral or ethical laws that are necessary for man to live in harmony are known as Mishpatim and are literally translated judgments. 2. The rituals and festivals which reawaken us to important religious truths such as Sabbath, holidays, the Tefillin and the Mezuzah that remind us of G-d's presence are known as Edos and are literally translated witnesses. 3. The third group often has no explicit reason given for their existence except for Israel's identification as G-d's chosen people to the other nations (Deuteronomy 4:6). This group of laws are known as Chukim and are literally translated as decrees. Among the decrees of this group are the dietary laws as well as ritual immersion.
How Immersion Was Done
Jewish baptism has never been taken lightly, but in ancient times immersion was to be performed in the presence of witnesses (Yebam. 47b). The person being baptized made special preparations by cutting his nails, undressed completely and made a fresh profession of his faith before the designated "fathers of the baptism" (Kethub. 11a; Erub 15a). This is possibly where churches, sometime later, got the term Godfathers. The individual stood straight up with the feet spread and the hands held out in front. The candidate would totally immerse themselves by squatting in the water with a witness or baptizer doing the officiating. Note the New Testament points out the fact that Jesus came up straightway out of the water (Matthew 3:16).
The earliest drawing of Christian baptism was found on the wall of a Roman catacomb in the second century showing John standing on the bank of the Jordan helping Jesus back to shore after self immersion.
Ancient sages teach that the word mikveh has the same letters as Ko(v)Meh, the Hebrew word for "rising" or "standing tall," therefore we see the idea of being baptized "straightway."
Although it is the Jewish belief that repentance is necessary, purification from defilement is done primarily through water, while other effects of sins are covered by blood (Romans 4:7; note the "almost all things" in Hebrews 9:22). The concept of immersion in rabbinic literature is referred to as a new birth (Yeb. 22a; 48b; 97b; Mass. Ger. c.ii). Note six other important aspects of ancient Jewish immersion:
1.Immersion was accompanied by exhortations and benedictions (Maimonides Hilkh. Milah iii.4; Hilkh. Iss, Biah Xiv .6). A convert would reaffirm his acceptance of the Torah by declaring, "I will do and I will hear" which was a phrase from the oath that was originally taken by the priests not to forsake the Torah (Deuteronomy 29:9- 14). This ritual demonstrates the willingness of the convert to forsake his Gentile background and assume his Jewish identity by taking on the status of one who keeps the commandments.
According to a number of Jewish sages, mayim, which is the Hebrew word for water, shares the same root as the word "mah", meaning "what." This teaching points out that when a person immerses in water, he is nullifying the fleshly ego and is asking, "what am I?" in the same manner that Moses and Aaron did in Exodus 16:7 when they said to the Lord, "we are what?"
2. The Jewish baptism candidates were often immersed three times. The idea of total immersion comes from the Scripture in Leviticus 15:16 when it says, "he shall wash all his flesh in the water." One reason it was customary to immerse three times was because the word mikveh occurs three times in the Torah.
3. According to Jewish law the immersion had to have a required witness. Dr. William LaSor in the Biblical Archaeology Review says apparently the Biblical phrase "in the name of" was an indication of the required witness. In several New Testament references such as I Corinthians 1:13, 15; Matthew 21:25; Acts 1:22; and Acts 19:3 we see early baptism mentioned in conjunction with the name of individuals such as John and Paul. Further information on this can be found in Jewish literature concerning proselyte baptism where it indicates his baptism required attestation by witnesses in whose name he was immersed.
4. The immersion candidate was not touched by the baptizer in Jesus' day. Because Leviticus 15:16 says "He shall wash all his flesh in the water," Judaism stresses that the entire body must come in contact with the water of the mikveh. To insure the immersion was valid, no clothing or individuals could touch the candidate. Any such intervention that prevented the water from reaching a part of the body was known as Chatzitzah and rendered the immersion invalid. Although the mikveh was more spiritual than physical, often the bath had two sets of steps, one entering and another leaving so as not to defile what had been purified.
5. The baptismal water (Mikveh) in rabbinic literature was referred to as the womb of the world, and as a convert came out of the water it was considered a new birth separating him from the pagan world. As the convert came out of these waters his status was changed and he was referred to as "a little child just born" or "a child of one day" (Yeb. 22a; 48b; 97b). We see the New Testament using similar Jewish terms as "born anew," "new creation," and "born from above." According to Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum rabbinic literature uses the term "born again" to refer to at least six different occurrences. Note each of these life changing experiences: (a) When a Gentile converts to Judaism. (b) When an individual is crowned king. (c) At age 13 when a Jewish boy chooses to embrace God's covenant and be numbered with the believers. (d) When an individual gets married. (e) When an individual becomes a rabbi. (f) When an individual becomes the head of a rabbinical school.
6. Jewish law requires at least three witnesses made up of qualified leaders to be present for certain immersions (Yebam 47b). Ordinarily a member of the Sanhedrin performed the act of observing the proselytes immersion, but in case of necessity others could do it. Secret baptism, or where only the mother brought a child, was not acknowledged.
Repentance Without The Need Of Baptism
One of the most important teachings in Judaism is that of repentance. According to both Scripture and rabbinic literature, no matter how great the sin, if a person repents and forsakes the sin before G-d he can be forgiven. Ninevah only repented in order to be saved. As we see in the case of John, Jesus, and all New Testament writers, repentance was always involved. The Jerusalem Talmud states, "nothing can stand before repentance" (Yebamos 47b). According to Dr. David Flusser, the Dead Sea Scrolls as well as the New Testament teach that water can purify the body only if the soul has first been purified through repentance and righteousness.
Water and Blood Both Illustrate G-d's Cleansing In Judaism
Both water and blood are used constantly in the Torah and the New Testament as the two main agents to illustrate G-d's cleansing. The Jews believe that uncleanness is not physical, but rather a spiritual condition as related in Leviticus 11:44 where it states by wrong actions one can make the "soul unclean." Therefore, the purification through ritual immersion, as commanded in Scripture is basically involved with the soul, rather than the body. Note how both water and blood are cited in Scripture: (1) Blood is used in cleansing in relation to the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12). (2) Blood is used in cleansing in relation to the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). (3) Blood is used in cleansing in relation to the Feast Offerings (Leviticus 23). (4) Blood is used in cleansing in relation to the five Levitical Offerings (Leviticus 1-7). (5) Blood is used in cleansing in relation to the atonement for the soul (Leviticus 17:11-14).
(1) Water is used in cleansing in relation to the separation and the ashes of the Red Heifer (Numbers 19). (2) Water is used in cleansing in relation to the consecration to priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:6). (3) Water is used in cleansing in relation to the cleansing of the leper (Leviticus 14:1-8). (4) Water is used in cleansing in relation to the different washings of the Law (Hebrews 9:10-15). (5) Water is used in relation to the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5; Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3; I Peter 3:20-21; Ephesians 5:26; John 19:34; I John 5:6; Hebrews 9:19- 23). In Mark 16:16 we read: "He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved; but he that belieth not shall be damned." No mention that those believers who are not baptised will be damned. Mark 16:17-18 tells you what signs follow them that believe.
Thank G-d Jesus blood and our repentance cleanses us of all our sins!
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
"For all have sinned" (Romans 3:23). Sin results in spiritual uncleanness. Water is used to wash away physical dirt, but only our repentance and the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse us from our sins.
G-d has given blood as the means of atonement by which sins are forgiven. In Leviticus 17:11 He explains: "The life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul." Atonement is satisfaction for an offense, resulting in the restoration of a broken relationship. "According to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22).
Under the Old Covenant there was atonement through the blood of sacrificial animals. This prefigured the blood of Jesus, who would bring the ultimate sacrifice for sin. "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins" (Hebrews 10:4).
"Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Jesus Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to G-d, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living G-d?" (Hebrews 9:12-14). Jesus Christ was qualified to pay the penalty for our sin because He was without sin. Since He was not under the same condemnation, He could voluntarily take our place, "who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness" (1 Peter 2:24).
The blood of Jesus Christ is the blood of the New Covenant. Jesus told His hearers: "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me' " (John 6:53-57).
The meaning of this mystery was partially revealed when Jesus celebrated Pesach (Last) supper: "And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, 'Take, eat; this is My body.' Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins' " (Matthew 26:26-28). Paul explained: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Jesus Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Jesus Christ?" (1 Corinthians 10:16).
We begin our walk in the light of the gospel when we are baptized into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). Paul was told: "Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16).
What is the work of G-d?
"Jesus answered and said unto them: This is the work of G-d, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent." (John 6:29)
"For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:30 - compare with Matthew 23: 1-4.)
"This is my (only) commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you." (John 15:12)
The Sacrificial Blood of the true Lamb
We continue to walk in the light only when we continue to follow (John 6:66) Jesus Christ day after day. Paul says that Christians become weak and sickly if they do not partake of the Lord's supper correctly. I believe that every time you sit down to eat - you should acknowledge that the food and drink before you that you are about to eat - died that you could live naturally and it should also daily remind you that Jesus died and shed His blood so that when you repent and accept Jesus' sacrifice - you can live spiritually forever with Him in Paradise. Paul talked about this in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 where he concludes his discussion of communion by writing: "And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation." When I first taught our daily eating/drinking was the true communion spoken of in 1 Corinthians 11:26 as "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come." The Lord filled the room with the smell of baking bread.
The Old Covenant was given only to the people of Israel. The New Covenant was and is freely given for the whole world. To non-Jewish Christians Paul wrote: "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13).
Under the Old Covenant only the High Priest could enter the most holy place in the temple. Under the New Covenant every Christian may approach G-d in the heavenly sanctuary, "having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh" (Hebrews 10:19,20). Jesus suffered "that He might sanctify the people with His own blood" (Hebrews 13:12). Having been made holy by the blood of Jesus Christ, we may boldly approach G-d's throne of grace.
The blood of Christ is the ultimate proof of G-d's love. "G-d demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him" (Romans 5:8,9). He "loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood" (Revelation 1:5).
G-d proves His love for us by the extremely high price He was willing to pay for our salvation: "Conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:17- 19). The church was purchased by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28).
The grace of G-d is demonstrated by the blood of Christ. We are "justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom G-d set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith" (Romans 3:24,25). "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:7).
Only the blood of Jesus Christ frees us from Satan and places us in the kingdom of G-d: "He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:13,14). "Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, 'Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our G-d, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our G-d day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death' " (Revelation 12:10,11).
"Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, 'Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?' And I said to him, 'Sir, you know.' So he said to me, 'These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb' " (Revelation 7:13,14). "And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our G-d kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." Revelation 5:8-10)
"If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7)
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