20 Apr 2025 (Pastoral Page) THE ORIGIN OF OUR CHRISTIAN BAPTISM

By Asst Ps Patrick Chan Yin

As we witness and celebrate the baptism of some of our believing friends (or brothers and sisters in Christ) this weekend, let us explore the meaning of baptism in the Christian faith and how it came about in the first place. This would also, in the hope, help the uninitiated or those who are new to the Christian faith to better understand the origin of our Christian baptism.

1. Baptism Before Christianity: Water as a Symbol of Purity

The roots of baptism can be traced back to ritual purification practices in ancient cultures, particularly within Judaism.

Jewish Rituals of Purification: In Judaism, purification through water was essential for maintaining ritual purity. Jewish men and women would immerse themselves in a mikvah (a pool of clear water) to cleanse themselves from impurities before entering the temple or engaging in specific religious rituals. This practice, outlined in the Mishna (oral law in Judaism), was a regular part of religious life, and it emphasized the need for spiritual cleanliness to approach God.

Converts to Judaism: When non-Jews (or ‘Gentiles’) wanted to join the Jewish faith, they would often undergo a ritual bath, symbolizing that they were washing away their old beliefs and starting a new life in the covenant community of Israel. In many ways, this practice parallels the symbolism of Christian baptism, particularly in terms of repentance and spiritual rebirth.

2. The Role of John the Baptist

One of the most influential figures in the history of Christianity, particularly with regard to baptism, is John the Baptist. His ministry, as recorded in the New Testament, laid the foundation for the Christian understanding of baptism, although his baptisms were distinct from those later practiced by Christians.

Baptism of Repentance: John’s baptisms were conducted in the Jordan River and were centered on repentance and the forgiveness of sins. His message was mostly eschatological in nature, as he went around proclaiming the imminent coming of God’s kingdom. John’s baptism differed from the Jewish purification rituals in that it was not just about physical cleanliness but also about moral and spiritual preparation for the coming Messiah (Matthew 3:1-5).

Jesus’ Baptism by John: A pivotal moment in Christianity is the baptism of Jesus by John. Though Jesus Himself was sinless, His baptism signified His identification with humanity’s need for repentance and redemption. The Gospel accounts describe the heavens opening, the Holy Spirit descending like a dove, and a voice from heaven affirming Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 3:13-17). This event marks the divine endorsement of both Jesus' mission and the practice of baptism.

3. Baptism in Early Christianity

After Jesus' death and resurrection, baptism took on new theological significance, becoming the central initiation rite for new converts to Christianity. Jesus instructed His disciples (followers) to baptize believers in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19), and the early church quickly adopted baptism as an essential part of Christian life.

The Apostles’ Practice: The book of Acts records numerous instances of the apostles (Jesus’ first disciples) baptizing new believers. Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38-41) is a particularly important example, where he called on the people to “repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.” Baptism was presented as both a symbolic and practical act that demonstrated a person’s faith in Christ and their new life in the Christian community.

Baptism as a Sacrament: As Christianity spread and developed over the years, baptism began to be understood not only as an act of repentance but also as a sacrament – a sacred act (or a means) of God’s divine grace upon the believer. Early Christian theologians, like the Apostle Paul, elaborated on the theological meaning of baptism. Paul wrote extensively about the transformative power of baptism, particularly in his letter to the Romans. He described baptism as a participation in Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). Through baptism, believers die to their old life of sin and are raised to new life in Christ.

Christian baptism has deep roots in ancient Jewish purification rituals and the ministry of John the Baptist, but it took on new meaning through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the rite evolved in the early Christian church, it became more than a ritual of repentance – It became a symbol of faith and belonging and a sacrament of grace and transformation.

For those who are new to Christianity, baptism might seem like a simple act of pouring or immersion in water, but for believers, it represents a profound spiritual transformation and commitment to the Christian faith and to the community.