Monday, April 13, 2009

A little study on Baptism in preperation for my 9 year old

We have been studying baptism and have come across some interesting points.
Baptism is a burial in water (immersion).
The Greek word "baptizo" means immersion. It cannot be translated in any other way and give the meaning of the original language. baptizo {bap-tid'-zo} - Translated in the KJV - baptize (76),wash 2, baptist 1, baptized + 2258 1; 80

1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk)
2) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one's self, bathe
3) to overwhelm

Not to be confused with "bapto." The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be 'dipped' (bapto) into boiling water and then 'baptized' (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change. When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. e.g. Mark 16:16. 'He that believes and is baptized shall be saved'. Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle!

All of the examples in the New Testament indicate immersion. Consider for example the baptism of Jesus:

Joh 3:23 "John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being baptized--"

John would not need "much water" to baptize any other way.

source

4 comments:

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

My Little T was baptized when he was 8. He recited John 3:16.

Good lessons.

Addicted to Beadz said...

Thanks for sharing!

Do you know whether your hubby might come home earlier than what was initially expected?

Thanks for supporting me during all these trials lately.

Blessings!

Cheryl

Nadine said...

Nice little study. How wonderful that your 9 year old is taking this step.

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