Introduction
There are many Christians that actually mark vital events that go on in the natural development of a human life in various ceremonies. Baptism is an important event in the bible. “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him”. (Matthew 3:13-17)These ceremonies are what normally provide an answer to the questions that people are asking in regards to life. Baptism is supposed give a reply to the questions and “what am I here for? and “who am I?”. (Senn 2001)Baptism is the ceremonial of starting into the Christian faith. A Greek word ‘baptizo’ meaning ‘to dip’ is where the word ‘baptize’ comes from. When a person gets baptized they are then asked to turn away from their sins. In baptism a person id washed all the way clean as a sign of the new life that they are going to lead as stated by Gods law (Thijms 2005). Baptism is supposed to be the beginning of the three sacraments of commencement, the other two are confirmation in the roman catholic tradition and holy communion.
What is the theological meaning of baptism?
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” (Romans 6:3-6). Baptism is a commencement rite, this is saying that it is a rite where the individual is then becomes a member of something. When that person is baptized, then they are allowed to become a Christian. Baptism considered being a symbol of new life and basically when a person is baptized they are looked at as being born again. Baptism is supposed to be the washing away of sins and starting a brand new life with God. Most Christians who are doing the baptizing concur that there are two vital types in every baptism which are, what human beings do is important and what god does is important. Both of these are considered to be the symbols of baptism (James 2004). For instance, water and this is supposed to be a powerful, natural symbol of death and life. It provides life to the things that are in the desert nonetheless water can likewise have a side that is bad like when the sea is coarse and numerous individuals have drowned. Oil is the other symbol: there are something like two types of oils which are being utilized before the baptism and is considered to be a sign of get stronger for the life long fight of sin, temptation, and evil.
Theology of Sacrament
In a way of its own, the Reformed understanding of baptism is observed as being something that is highly sacramental. The bible says “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free” (1 Corinthians 12:13). With that said, Reformed theology looks at baptism as a mysterious happenstance with God that occurs by means of a rite involving special ceremony and physical elements. Throughout this chance meeting, God kindly issues blessings to people that have been participating by faith and also judgment to those who participate without faith.
The practical usage of the word “sacrament” originates from Ephesians 5:32 in the Vulgate, where sacramentum interprets the Greek word which means “mystery.” Previous to the Reformation, “sacrament” signified a variation of monies that led to involvements of God’s grace in approaches that that surpassed the boundaries of human accepting. After fluctuating preparations contested for supremacy in the primitive church, the Council of Trent (1545) as a final point appointed the word “sacrament” to seven central rituals: baptism, penance, confirmation, holy Eucharist, extreme unction, matrimony and orders. Calvin and most other modern Protestants leaders disallowed the Roman Catholic sacramental arrangement nevertheless reserved its language, relating the word “sacrament” simply to decrees introduced by God himself.
Christian Understanding of Sacramentality
Through many peoples grip of Sacramentality, they trust it is connected to almost anything in their faith as Christian people. The bible makes the point that “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” With that said, Sacramentality is associated to creation for the reason that every part of creation is a sacrament (Thijms 2005). It is considered a noticeable sign of God's unseen existence. This basically makes the point that everything a Creator puts together he leaves a sign, which mentions God is in everything. So everyone supposed to have this imprint (Hunsinger 2001). By coming in this route, a person gets a supernatural connection with God that has some kind of worth and meaning. Through our this personal connection with God, a person is able to act as a sacrament or a sign of God, for the reason that people are supposed to be imprinted by Him. Individuals are left to be utilized as a sacrament that allows and individual to worship God and be grateful for all that he has done. This sacrament is noticeable for everyone to take note of because the whole point is for the world to see how powerful the connection is with God.
The Sacrament and the mystery Christ and the nature of the church
The scriptures make the point that “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” (1 Peter 3:21) When it comes to the Incarnation of Christ by being present in all that we are Sacramentality will be involved somehow. "By his embodiment, Jesus who is the son of God has come to live inside the person" (Vatican II). Incarnation is basically saying the Jesus was mortal person but had no sin. He was used in order to make sure God’s plan came to pass (Hunsinger 2001). That is the reason why it is connected to Sacramentality for the reason that God's greatest creation, Jesus, was the truth, the way and the light. Christ turned out to be the sacramental sign that all people could see. He came into this world so that people could be forgiven of their sins and linked back with God.
The Paschal Mystery is also connected to Sacramentality for the reason that it denotes to the Easter mystery of the death, resurrection, and passion of Jesus Christ. Because of these actions that took place, a person is no longer a slave of sin or death (Farwell 2004). The Paschal mystery is looked at as being the core of the Catholic Faith for the reason that it is the connotation behind our lives and faith. Deprived of these events everyone would not have the admission to the life that they lead through Christ. This is the person’s spirituality and it is spoken of it through the person’s liturgy. Christ is again, is the Creator's most respected formation (Osbourne 2001). He is a gift given to the earth.
The sacraments are what make the church. If there were no sacraments, the church would not exist. The sacraments are supposed to be by the church and for the church, according to the Vatican. These sacraments are working through the assignment of the Holy Spirit. It is as clear that without having the sacraments, there is no church (Osbourne 2001). The sacraments are then formed from the Church, nonetheless are introduced for the people and the Church. This is their way to have a communication with God at Church in His house where people are able to worship Him. In itself, the Church is a sacrament for the reason that it all narrates back to the description of Sacramentality, believing that everything that God created are supposed to be signs, or existing sacraments (Thijms 2005). Church is the place for all of God’s people to come together and learn about who he is.
Celebration of the Sacrament
Baptism is actually celebrated by water being poured on the head of the person, and then saying the following words: "You are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." (Osbourne 2001) The priest is the one that does the baptism; nonetheless anyone could be baptizing in case of need, when they cannot find a priest.
In earnest Baptism the priest rubs the newly baptized with some oil of Christ. This anointing is God’s way of "marking us with his seal and giving us the pledge, the Spirit that we carry in our hearts" (2 Cor 1:22). It is also a sign that this person is being covered and protected by the blood of Christ.
The appropriate time for the celebration of Baptism is when Easter comes around when the Church memorializes the Resurrection of the Lord. (Lent is primarily and traditionally when the Baptism is being prepared.) This is the reason why the paschal candle is placed in the baptistery in order for Baptisms that are done throughout the year are already lit with the candles (Senn 2001). The candle is a representation of the light of Christ which is to be kept red-hot for as long as it can.
Symbols in Baptism
When it comes to the sacrament of confirmation, normally there are two special signs which are always utilized in the delivery of the elegance of the sacrament. These signs are something like the: the anointing with oil, the obligation of hands, and precisely, with sacred chrism. The sacrament is typically discussed by the bishop of the archdiocese, even though he could make the decision to represent this expert to a specific priest for a particular celebration (James 2004). After definite prayers, the bishop makes it his business to start imposing his hands over the head of the person that is being confirmed, in continuance of the long-recognized exercise of Christianity, which goes all the way back to the Apostles of Jesus Christ. Then, right after the person that is being confirmed definitely starts to give some kind of renewal for her or his baptismal vows, the bishop then takes out a jar with some oil in it and moves on with anointing each person right in the center of the forehead which is done with the sacred chrism. This is a special kind of oil that they use in the biblical days. However, this oil is utilized for ordinations and confirmations (Senn 2001). It is perfumed with perfumed balsam (the 'balm of Gilead'), and its purpose serves as a reminder to those that are faithful to Christ and chose to obey him all the days of their lives. This anointing is a sign of protection from above (Thijms 2005). This protection is from evil in the world and also the supernatural. All of the Bishops normally have the authority to discuss this gift for the reason that they are able to stand in the position of the apostles, they are the ones that are holding the apostolic position in each region, and these priest in order to have the authority that they do have had apostolic hands anoint them with the oil as well (James 2004).
The other signs that go with the baptism are Water, Paschal candle and White garment. In baptism there us what is called the “passing through water” – that was considered to be a sign of our contribution in the death of Christ and his and then his arrival straight into freedom. Also it signifies the Deliverance from the power of the evil one; the power of God’s life and love will overcome. “Looking back on our history, we are able to observe how water was produced in order to be able to cleanse and then give life. In the actual start of creation (Gen 1:2)
When it is Easter time, the Paschal candle is lit as a symbol that Christ has risen from the dead. This life is considered to be much stronger than demise. It cannot be put out nonetheless shines luminously in the world as a symbol of the strength of love and of hope. When Baptism takes place, a little candle for each child is ignited from the Paschal candle. 700 years before Jesus Christ was even born, the prophet named Isaiah told of individuals that were walking in darkness that were able to look at a great light. (Isaiah 9:1).
At baptism, the church usually wraps the person who is considered a new member in a garment that is white – a sign of receipt and belonging in the public of faith. The garment is always white because it shows purity like Jesus’ who is looked at as the light, and covers them from head all the way to the toe. The child is then dressed in this clothing throughout the ritual of baptism – a noticeable symbol of Jesus’ life and light that is now current in the child. “Quickly, bring out a robe – the best one- and put it on him” (Luke 15:22)
Conclusion
It is clear that baptism has a very important place in religion. As the bible says, ““Now when all the individuals were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened.” (Luke 3:21, 22). The sacraments appear to be very sacred and their significance is something that has been passed down for many generations. In the end, it is obvious that baptism is a ritual that secures a person with a destiny that connects them to their creator.
Works Cited
Farwell, James. 2004. Baptism, Eucharist, and the hospitality of Jesus: On the practice of "open communion". Anglican Theological Review 86, (2): 215-238,
Ferguson, Everett. 1997. Preaching at epiphany: Gregory of Nyssa and john Chrysostom on baptism and the church. Church History 66, (1): 1-17,
Hunsinger, George. 2001. The dimension of depth: Thomas F. Torrance on the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Scottish Journal of Theology 54, (2): 155-176,
Osborne, Kenan B., O.F.M. 2009. One baptism, ecumenical dimensions of the doctrine of baptism. Studia Canonica 43, (2): 575-577,
Senn, Frank C. 2001. Sacraments and social history: Postmodern practice. Theology Today 58, (3): 288-303
Thijms, Annemarie. 2005. The sacrament of baptism in st. erkenwald: The perfect transformation of the Trajan legend. Neophilologus 89, (2): 311-328,
1 Corinthians 12:13, Revised Standard Version
2 Cor 1:22, Revised Standard Version
Gen 1:2, Revised Standard Version
Isaiah 9:1, Revised Standard Version
Luke 15:22, Revised Standard Version
Luke 3:21, 22 , Revised Standard Version
1 Peter 3:21, Revised Standard Version
Romans 6:3-6, Revised Standard Version
