Baptism: History and Development

Paper Summary:

This paper explains the importance of the sacrament of baptism and explains how we can see the sacrament of baptism, its effects and the way it leads a person to salvation. The paper is divided into 3 chapters: 1) the historical background of the sacrament of Baptism, 2) the celebration of the sacrament of baptism 3) the theology of Baptism.

Outline:
Introduction
The History of Baptism
The Celebration of Baptism
Baptism: Gateway to Salvation (Theology of Baptism)
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The name baptism came from the Greek noun baptisma which means "the dipping, washing", less commonly 'Baptismas' stemming from the verb 'Bapto' which means to dip or "immerse". In the New Testament this verb is used in the literal sense (Lk 16:24; Jn 13:26, Acts 19:13). From this is derived the iterative from ... which, in classical Greek was used in the literal sense of "Dipping" and in the figurative sense of being over whelmed" with sufferings and miseries.1
"The basic verb is Greek bapto, meaning "dip in or under", also "dye". In the New Testament this word occurs only rarely and always with its literal sense, as in Lk 16:24. It never has the sense "baptize". The form baptize is the term which in different constructions is employed in the New Testament for "baptize". This verb can have varied but related sense as "immerse" sink, drown, go under, sink into, and bathe". The range of meaning adds to its suitability for and act which itself has different comotations and cab be given, in the context of the gospel, such a richly diversified significance. The noun for baptism is baptisma, which occurs only in the New Testament, only in singular, and only for baptism. The term seems to denote not only the external act but also inner meaning and force. Thus the baptism denoted may be that of the Spirit as well as water, and even the baptism of cross.2"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Crichton, Christian Celebration: The Sacraments, London: Geoffrees Chapman Publishers, 1974.
• Cuttaz, Francais, Divine Birth, Middle London: St. Paul Publications, 1962.
• Halligan, Nicolas, O.P., Sacraments of Initiation and Union, Vol.1, New York: Alba House, 1973.
• Haring, Bernard C.S.S.R., The Sacraments and Your Everyday Life, Missouri: Ligouri Publications, 1997.
• Keranb, Osborne, Christian Sacraments in Post Modern World, New York: Paulist Press, 1999.

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