baptism Flashcards
what is baptism
religious use of water as the ceremony of invitation into the christian church
what are possible origins for the emergence of christian baptism
John the Baptist - we read about johns baptising ministry in preparation for the coming of the messiah
Jesus - instructed his disciples to baptise during his ministry in the name of the father, son and Holy Spirit
describe the first christian baptism
on the day of pentecost Peter tells the people to repent and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ - people were baptised as soon as they believed the message no waiting needed
what is the didache
early christian book
what is the method for baptism in the didache
period of preparation required
fasting was to be done by those able
preference for running water
holy trinity name spoken over person being baptised
what is the doctrine of baptism in the didache
practical instructions reflect a time when baptism was becoming less outdoors and more indoors with still warm water being used
who Was Justin Martyr
christian apologist in his 1st apology he provides accounts of early baptismal services
what was the baptismal method in Justin Martyrs apology
preparation for the baptism, period of instruction and prayer followed by fasting
baptised then brought to main congregation where prayers are offered
baptised then receive kiss of fellowship with other believers and receive first eucharist
what is the doctrine for baptism in Justin martyrs apology
baptism in the name of holy trinity provides forgiveness for our sins and new birth
baptism is full admission to church and allows baptised to take eucharist
who was Hippolytus
church leader in Rome wrote the apostolic traditions book containing instructions on baptism
how does Hippolytus describe how baptism should be carried out
period of preparation (catechumerate) was 3yrs long and involved teaching, prayer, spiritual preparation
baptisms were preferred to take place on easter
as time drew near to baptism person would preform daily exorcisms
person would fast Friday and Saturday then baptised on Sunday where water had to be flowing
children would to baptised first showing infant baptism
candidates where triple interrogated followed by triple response this was followed by triple baptism in name of father son and Holy Spirit
who was tertullian
wrote many christian books referring to baptism throughout his writings
what did tertullian write about the baptism method
baptisms should be carried out at passover
preparation before baptism doesn’t specify time period
water is prepared as he says “4th spirit comes down from heaven an stays upon the water” first to mention the idea of Holy Spirit coming down
there is a rejection of the devil just before the baptism
also a triple response and triple baptism (asked then dunked x3)
after they can receive their first eucharist
what did tertullian say about the preparation before baptism
“those who are about to enter upon baptism must pray with frequent prayers, fasts kneelings with confession of past sins”
who was cyprian
bishop of Carthage he wrote a number of letters at the time of decian persecution which tell us a little on his baptismal views
what did cyprian say baptism should be like
unlike tertullian cyprian approved of infant baptism
baptism should be preformed in name of holy trinity not just Jesus
through baptism people received forgiveness of sins
believed Holy Spirit was received through baptism
what did cyprian believe was heretical baptism
baptism preformed by those outside the one true church (catholic) cyprian perceived it as heretical he believed the baptism wouldn’t be valid
is baptism essential as an act of initiation into the christian faith reasons for
Jesus was baptised
means for salvation
way to receive the eucharist
is initiation important in the life of a religious believer reasons for and against
in Christianity, baptism is seen as washing away sin and being “born again.”
It’s also about intention. Initiation says: “I choose this path. I commit to it.”
not always necessary a moment of awakening or realization.
