SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM AND THE SYMBOLS WITHIN THE PRACTICE
Ties with the Christian Community
Ancient origins
The origins of the practice of baptism are quite ancient, pre-dating Christianity itself. It seems apparent that some Jewish groups were practicing baptism prior to the ministry of Jesus. Indeed, John the Baptist, who is presented in the Gospels as a forerunner to the ministry of Jesus had baptism as the hallmark of his own ministry (Mark 1:4).
Jesus' baptism
Jesus himself accepted the baptism of John (Mark 1:9) and gave instructions to his followers to baptise people in his name (Matthew 28:19). Obviously the practice of baptism has great significance in the Christian tradition and indeed it relates to and expresses a number of important beliefs.
The origins of the practice of baptism are quite ancient, pre-dating Christianity itself. It seems apparent that some Jewish groups were practicing baptism prior to the ministry of Jesus. Indeed, John the Baptist, who is presented in the Gospels as a forerunner to the ministry of Jesus had baptism as the hallmark of his own ministry (Mark 1:4).
Jesus' baptism
Jesus himself accepted the baptism of John (Mark 1:9) and gave instructions to his followers to baptise people in his name (Matthew 28:19). Obviously the practice of baptism has great significance in the Christian tradition and indeed it relates to and expresses a number of important beliefs.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.
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SIGNIFICANCE:
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WATER
Plays an important role in baptisms as it represents the death of the old sinful self and rebirth into a new life as an adherent of Jesus Christ. The use of water as the central symbol of baptism reflects the belief in God as creator and humankind's dependence on God. It calls to mind images of the waters of chaos from the Genesis accounts of creation (Genesis 1:2) as well as the destructive power of the flood in the story of Noah (Genesis 7-8) and finally the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea in the accounts of the Exodus (Exodus 14).
The image of water also calls to mind the image of the womb and the discussion of rebirth in water and the Spirit in John's Gospel (John 3:5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.) This imagery of this story closely parallels the Christian understanding of baptism as a
rebirth from original sin into the life of the Spirit.
“Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” John 3: 3-5
Translate the above quote.
SIGNIFICANCE:
The image of water also calls to mind the image of the womb and the discussion of rebirth in water and the Spirit in John's Gospel (John 3:5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.) This imagery of this story closely parallels the Christian understanding of baptism as a
rebirth from original sin into the life of the Spirit.
“Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” John 3: 3-5
Translate the above quote.
SIGNIFICANCE:
- Symbolism of Water as a purifying agent is strong.
- Water is the symbol of purity and purification
- Reflects the belief in God as creator, human dependence on God, rebirth and cleansing
- Calls to mind scriptural images of water, e.g. Flood in the story of Noah (Genesis 7-8) and Crossing the Red Sea in Exodus (Exodus 14)
- Symbolic of the new life that the believer has experienced as a result of becoming a Christian.
REPENTANCE
- Turning away from sin
- Forgiveness of sin
- Abolishment of original sin
- Infusion of Grace
- This is done by sponsors if the candidate is an infant.
The early Church community as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles regarded baptism as a necessary element of salvation (Acts 2:38). It was a sign of their repentance, proclaimed their forgiveness from sin and allowed them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The beliefs that baptism is integral to salvation, that it signifies repentance and forgiveness of sin and that it allows for the coming of the Spirit are important beliefs of the Christian faith that are expressed in the practice of baptism.
“Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” Mark 16: 16
Translate the above quote.
SIGNIFICANCE:
- During the baptismal rite those being baptised reject sin and profess a belief in the trinity
- Turning towards a positive way to live the life of the Spirit. Acts of the Apostles depicts the element of salvation through baptism (Acts 2:38).
- Baptism allows for the coming of the Spirit.
BODY OF CHRIST
The practice of baptism in the Christian tradition also expresses the belief of Christians in the Church as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). Christians are baptised into the Church, which is the body of Christ, and as a consequence of becoming part of this body the believer is able to experience more fully the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus. In a spiritual sense, the believer is able to participate through the body of Christ in the mystery of Jesus' dying and rising.
SIGN OF THE CROSS
The sign of the cross is used in a number of places in the rite of Baptism. This simple symbol and ritual action expresses the Christian belief in the triune God, which is at the heart of the Christian faith.
ANOINTING
The anointing with the oil of Chrism is another important symbol. Oil is a traditional symbol for healing and strength and is also used in the sense of mandating or setting someone aside for a purpose. This sense is seen in the anointing of a king such as the anointing of Saul, the first king of the Jewish nation (1 Samuel 10:1-3). In baptism, Christians are anointed with oil as a sign of their mandate to share in the ministry of Jesus.
WHITE GARMENT
Another symbol is found in the use of a white garment. This symbolises the purity of the baptised person and expresses the idea that in baptism the individual is cleansed from original sin. Baptism is therefore a new beginning for Christians.
“Baptism is an exodus from slavery to new life in God”. 1 Corinthians 10:1-12
Translate the above quote so that it is meaningful and easier to understand for today's adherents.
“Baptism is an exodus from slavery to new life in God”. 1 Corinthians 10:1-12
Translate the above quote so that it is meaningful and easier to understand for today's adherents.
BAPTISMAL CANDLE
The giving of a candle to the parents and Godparents or to the newly baptised person also conveys significant expressions of Christian belief. On one hand it brings to mind notions of Jesus being the light of the world (John 8:12) as well as the word of God being a guiding light for people to follow (Psalm 119:105). The image of the light also symbolises the conflict between good and evil and the idea of light dispelling the darkness in and through the ministry of Jesus (John 1:4-6). Finally the symbol of the light expresses the idea of the gifts bestowed on the individual and their responsibility to use these gifts in service to others (Matthew 5:16).
SIGNIFICANCE:
- A reminder that Christ has enlightened the believer
- The believer is to become the light of the world
- Conflict between good and evil – the light dispels darkness
SIGNIFICANCE:
- Candles show Christ light of the world
- The light acts as a reminder of the community and individuals responsibility to dispel the darkness of others and be of service.
Created by N. Usher for Gilroy Catholic College, 2014.