Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR) Vol-3, Issue-2, 2017 ISSN: 2454-1362, http://www.onlinejournal.in

The Concept of Baptism in

K. Shekhar (Ph.D) Research Scholar, Guru Gobind Singh Department of Religious Studies, Punjabi University Patiala;

Abstract: Baptism is a one of the in male and female, for you are all one in ”[3] Christian including Roman , Or- (Gal.3:27-28) thodox and Protestant Church. And it is symbol of “In Christianity, baptism –either by plunging in acceptance of Christ as the savior and Lord or by sprinklings with it- represents the first in openly or publicly. The purpose of this paper is act of incorporation “into Christ” and into the fel- to explain the concept of baptism in the New Tes- lowship of the Church. Further acts of incorpora- tament. Baptism is a sign of conversion – that is, of tion are – (- Rites2) and the the turning of a person’s life toward Jesus Christ- . Other religious societies have similar the baptism of adults throughout Christian history (Initiation Rites1). Jewish – baptism has been preceded by a long period of introduction incorporates the baptized not only into the religious to the . Moreover Baptism is sign of repent- fellowship but also into God’s-covenant people. ance like a put off the old nature or sinful nature This matter is relevant in the dialogue between and put on the new nature in Christ. Israel and church.”[4] “The Biblical texts give evidence of the first 1. The Origin and Meaning of term baptismal practice and reflect and special character ‘baptism’ of baptism and of its significance for the life of

The word Baptism is originally derived from believers and the church. But the further and theological reflection on it shows that Greek word according to Maurice says, “A word in spite of its uniqueness, and perhaps because of it, formed from a Greek root meaning “to dip” and used as a special designation of one the rites of the differences in understanding and practice arose. Christian Church. The practice seems to have been Different interpretation have been important (- suggested by the Jews, who removed ceremonial Anabaptist; ; Pentecostal Churches ;) and uncleanness by body in water and required still (see 3and4). They are a problem in the Gentiles to be baptized on becoming Jewish prose- economical movement”[5] lytes. But the , it is claimed, assumed a new “As is true in the history of – mission, baptism significance. Whereas Jewish baptism was thought is again functioning as a test of Christian identity, of only as a means of getting rid of ceremonial both for churches in countries affected by – secu- larization and for those of the Third world theol- uncleanness, Christian baptism was regarded as “a – ogy discussed on the practice of baptismal in the baptism of for the remission of .” Jesus allowed himself to be baptized by John the United States and the change in practice in Germa- Baptist. He did not himself baptize, however, and it ny brings to light to the problems and takes that has been questioned whether he himself instituted obtain and the concern to meet the challenge that baptism poses.”[6] the rite. True. He is represented having done so.”[1] “Therefore go and make of all 2. Biblical background nations, baptizing them in the of the Father and of the Son and of the ”[2](Matthew This paper briefly discussed on the basis of Bib- 28:19). lical background of the concept of baptism. “The Moreover the baptism is symbol of repentance basis of all about the baptism and of sins. Also it is symbol of accept Jesus Christ as the related practice is the historical fact of the bap- their personal savior and Lord in publically. Chris- tism of Jesus by “At that time tians believe that by being united with Christ Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was bap- through baptism, they are also united with all other tized by John in the .”[7](:9). Even if . Through baptism a community is creat- Jesus himself did not baptism “Now Jesus learned ed that goes beyond all natural boundaries of na- that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining tions, cultures, races, social classes, and sex. “for and baptizing more disciples than John-although in all of you who were baptized into Christ have fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disci- clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither ple.”[8] (:1-2). Jesus the command “Then Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in and on earth has been given to me. There- fore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing

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Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR) Vol-3, Issue-2, 2017 ISSN: 2454-1362, http://www.onlinejournal.in them in the name of the Father and of the Son and linked necessarily to . As a sacrament of of the Holy Spirit.”[9] (Matt. 28:18-20), belongs to deliverance signifying liberation from past sins and a later time and if the NT text give evidence of very worldly powers and the making possible of a new broad background in tradition and the history of Christian life, it plays the same role in Eph. 4:5; religion, still it is the in the Jordan 5:26; 1Pet. 1:3,23; 3:21; Heb. 6:2 Titus 3:5.”[16] the explains why, from the first, baptism was a normative rite of –initiation in the –primitive Chris- 5. The concept of Baptism Acts of tian community. washings (-Cultic Purity) at Apostle

–,- proselyte baptism, and the washings in This paper indeed explains the origin and im- some mystery cult (-Mystery Religions) show some portance of the baptism in the Acts of Apostles. similarities, but they cannot be accepted as the “The Acts of Apostles bears witness to the central historical presupposition and source of primitive place of baptism in the history of early Christian Christian baptism.”[10] mission. Programmatically, - Peter’s 3. The Concept of baptism in Primitive ends in 2:38 with the call for baptism to Practice which Paul’s practice later corresponds (16:14-15, 33; 18:8). Luke closely associates the –laying on Further this paper gives briefly account of the the hands, the conferring of the Spirit, and baptism, concept of baptism in Primitive Practice. “Commu- with either preceding baptism nity with John baptism may be seen in some typical (9:17-19) A decisive point is the linking of the features of primitive Christian baptismal practice. apostolic laying on of hands to the gift of the Spir- Early Christian baptism is not self-baptism but is it.”[17] administered by a baptizer”[11] “I thank God that I did not baptize any of you 6. The concept of Baptism in Pauline except Crispus and Gaius… (Yes, I also baptized letters the house of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t re- This paper is discussing the concept of baptism [12] (1 Cor. member if I baptized anyone else” in Pauline letters. “The significance of baptism for 1:14, 16;). Paul may be seen in his of existing tradi- “And he gave orders to stop the chariot then tion 1 Cor. 1:30; 6:11; 12:13; Gal. 3:26-28; Rom. both Philip and the eunuch went down into the 3:25; 4:25; 6:3-4). Rom. 6:3-4 is particularly im- water and Philip baptized him”[13] (Acts 8:38 ;). portant for it brings baptism into analogy with “So he ordered that they be baptized in the name ideas in the Hellenistic mystery religions ( of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with Met. 11.23.8; Firmicus Maternus Err. prof. rel. 22) them for few days.”[14] (Acts10:48). by describing baptism as a experienc- Like John’s baptism it is a once for-all act, un- ing of the death of Jesus, with the consequence of a like the ritual washings in ancient Judaism and death to and an ensuing life in – righteous- pagan Hellenism. As a rule, it involved immersion – ness.”[18] in running water (Acts 8:38). It is also, like John’s “Baptism is central in three ways for Paul’s ec- baptism, a baptism for the of sins – clesiology – (Church 2.1). First, it is the sacrament (Mark 1:4; Acts 2:38; 1 Cor 6:11; Rom. 3:25) and of the unity of the –congregation (1 Cor. 10:10-17; thus had an –eschatological and –stereological 12:13; Rom. 12:5). Second, the gift of Spirit and dimension. the beginning of the new Christian life are associ- “In two ways, however, it differs from John’s ated with baptism (1 Cor. 6:11; 12:13, 2 Cor. 1:21- baptism. It views the Christ-event as the eschato- 22; Gal. 5:24-25; Rom. 5:5) Third, in baptism be- logical event of- salvation that is present in baptism lievers attain the exalted state of Christ. Paul firmly “in the name of Jesus” 1Cor. 12:13; Mark 1:8; links his “in Christ” to baptism (Gal. 3:26-28; 1 A11:16’cts 1:5; -Holy Spirit).”[15] Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:17a; Rom. 6:11).”[19] 4. The concept of baptism in Synoptic “Paul’s views one’s existence in the church as deriving from baptism; he is aware of being com- mitted and empowered by God’s action in it to do This paper also explains about baptism in the God’s will in the church and in the world. In his first four Gospels, they are called as Synoptic Gos- ethics baptism is the place of forgiveness of sins, pels. “In the – Synoptic the baptism of Jesus is the endowment with the Spirit, and the beginning of paradigm of Christian existence (Mark 1:9-11) for the new life in Christ. As such, it is of great im- already at his baptism the Son of God was begin- portance. Baptism also figures largely in his soteri- ning to follow path of – obedience to the will of ology, for it involves for individual that Christians God. Current practice by the end of the first centu- the real, historical fulfillment of the liberation from ry reflects the command to baptize in Matt. 28: 18- the flesh, sin, and death has been set forth in 20. Baptism here is a normative intimation rite Christ.”[20]

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Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR) Vol-3, Issue-2, 2017 ISSN: 2454-1362, http://www.onlinejournal.in

7. The concept of baptism in John the starting point and basis of central ecclesiologi- Epistles cal, ethical, pnumatological, anthropological, and stereological statements. The fact that NT theology Also in the Johnnie writing, baptism is a norma- is not uniform does not reduce the fundamental tive initiation rite (:22, 26; 4:1). On this view significance of baptism relative to God’s historical it follows Jesus’ own practice, so that what is said action and the beginning of the Christian life. Bap- about its nature in John 3:5 or 1 :20, 27 is tism is primarily God’s act, for God promises his only to be expected. As elsewhere in the NT, bap- presence in it. Prior conditions do not have to be tism and the gift of the Spirit are primary data of met by , and to that extent one may see Christian existence (along with John 3:5-6; 6:6a 1 in the baptism of infants an appropriate practice John 2:27; 3:24; 4:13; 5:6-8;). The non sacramental that is not in conflict at heart with Paul doctrine of interpretation of John by R. Bultmann (1884-1976) baptism- and . The grace of God put is exegetically debatable. The original setting of into effect by Christ breaks through in baptism and many of these texts might well have been liturgical may be received in grateful faith.”[22] (-Worship1.3), although we cannot reconstruct “Traditionally, Baptism is, along with Eucharist, primitive baptismal –. one of the two most fundamental in

8. The concept of Baptism in Christian practice. Both Catholic and classic teaching (except for Zwangli) On the Protestant Churches Catholic view preserved in Anglican tradition and

This research paper is explains about the views usage, it is visible sign and seal of the on the baptism in the Protestant Churches. “The of the soul, conferring grace on those who receive first experienced by most protestant it, putting no obstacle in the way. The pouring is baptism. For some Protestants, baptism occurred water on the and the use of the Trinitari- within few days of after birth; for others it is re- an formula are considered necessary for the validity served for the period of maturity when a person can of the sacrament. Traditionally Baptism is normally make an explicit declaration of faith. Christian administered to infants, on whose behalf of spon- baptism marks the entry of an individual into sors take the vows to renounce and all his Christian society and association with Christian work. faith. The water that is used during the ceremony The practice of , although not symbolized both cleansing from sin and the living specifically authorized in the New Testament, was flowing water of new life in Christ. Baptism is thus general from early Christians times and is implied foundation of Christian life, its initiation into the in certain New Testament passages, e.g., Matthew soul of the baptized. 19:14, Acts 16:33;”[23]

Various passages in the referring to bap- Conclusion tism have a led to differences in practice and be- lieve among the various Protestant denominations. This paper explained the concept of Baptism in Regardless of how baptism is carried out however, Christianity particularly in the Protestant Churches. the uniting factor is the use of water as a sign and It explained what does it mean? Originally came agent of spiritual cleaning. Most Protestant church- from? This paper explained that the baptism is one es practice baptism in the name of , in ac- of the sacraments which are using the Christian cordance with Jesus’ instructions to his disciple: church. It emphasizes open or publically ac- “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, ceptance of Christian faith. Also it is a symbolical- baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the ly importance that, repentance of sins. further it Son, and of Holy Spirit.”(Matt. 28:19) Some gives the meaning of newness of life that buried the groups may baptize by pouring water over the head sinful nature with and risen with new nature. of the one to be baptized or by sprinkling him or References her with water or by ’s dipping his or fig- ures in water and placing on the candidate’s [1] Canney, Maurice A. “An Encyclopedia of Reli- head.”[21] gions, NAG Publishers: Delhi: 1976. p.52. Although some Protestant denominations, such [2] “Holy Bible” (New International Version) p.895. as the (members of the Society of Friends) [3] “Holy Bible” (New International Version) p.1046. i- and Christian Societies do practice baptism, it is [4] Brill Eerdmans. “The encyclopedia of Christian ty” William B. Eerdamns Publishing Company; usely viewed by Christians as being necessary for Machigan: 1999, p.183. salvation: ( :16; John 3:5) [5] Brill Eerdmans, Ibid.p.183.

[6] Brill Eerdmans, Ibid. p.183. 9. Significance of Baptism [7] “Holy Bible” (New International Version) p.896. [8] “Holy Bible” (New International Version) p.952. Now we discuss the significance of baptism, [9] “Holy Bible” (New International Version) p.895. Brown says “Baptism in the NT is in many ways Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR) Page 1449

Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR) Vol-3, Issue-2, 2017 ISSN: 2454-1362, http://www.onlinejournal.in

[10] Brill Eerdmans. “The encyclopedia of Christiani- ty” William B. Eerdamns Publishing Company; Machigan: 1999, p.184. [11]Brill Eerdamans, I bid. p. 184. [12] “Holy Bible” (New International Version) p.1021. [13] “Holy Bible” (New International Version) p.983. [14] “Holy Bible” (New International Version) p.985. [15] Brill Eerdmans. “The encyclopedia of Christiani- ty” William B. Eerdamns Publishing Company; Machigan: 1999. p.184. [16] I bid. p. 184. [17] I bid. pp. 184-185. [18] Brill Eerdmans. “The encyclopedia of Christiani- ty” William B. Eerdamns Publishing Company; Machigan: 1999, p.184. [19] Brill Eerdmans,I bid. 184. [20] Brill Eerdmans, I bid. 184. [21] Brown F, Stephen, “ in Encyclope- dia of World Religions” CREST Publishing House; New Delhi: 2004, p. 84. [22] Brill Eerdmans. “The encyclopedia of Christiani- ty” William B. Eerdamns Publishing Company; Machigan: 1999, p.185. [23] MacGregor, Gedes , “The everyman Dictionary of Religion & Philosophy” , J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd, London: 1990, pp., 54-55;

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