Baptism
Probably everyone has heard this word, many of us have even received baptism, but only a few know the meaning of this word. And what about you? We invite you to a small journey of expanding your knowledge and general outlook.
Etymology
The word baptism is of Greek origin and means "immersion". This is because initially baptism was done by immersing a person in a baptismal pool. Ancient churches even included baptismal pools, called baptisteries. The immersion symbolized the likeness to the crucified Jesus Christ, and the emergence from the water was a sign of his resurrection. The apostle Paul already wrote these words in the Letter to the Romans: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life".
In other languages, the word baptism refers to the word Christ or Christian. Baptism is an event by which a person professes faith in Jesus Christ and becomes a Christian.
Origin
So, we talk about baptism mainly in connection with Christianity. It was Jesus Christ who sent his apostles to proclaim the gospel and baptize all nations in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Baptism is the first and fundamental sacrament.
However, it should be known that John the Baptist performed baptism earlier. His mission was to announce the arrival of the promised Messiah to the Jewish community. John the Baptist called the people to repentance in order to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. And the baptism that John the Baptist performed in the Jordan River became a gesture of repentance. Even Jesus came to John the Baptist with a request to baptize him. John did not want to baptize Jesus, because the Son of God does not need any repentance. In the end, however, John the Baptist baptized him and presented to the entire Jewish community as the promised Redeemer. However, John's baptism was not a sacrament, it was instituted only by Jesus Christ.
Significance
What is the meaning of baptism? Christians confess that man comes into the world marked by original sin. Through baptism, a person, according to the doctrine of Christianity, regains God's grace, becomes a child of God and a member of the Church. Baptism is done by pouring water on the baptized person (somewhere, however, baptism is still performed by immersion) and saying the words: "I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit". According to the Christian faith, a baptized person is not only cleansed from the consequences of original sin, but all personal sins are also forgiven through baptism. Baptism is therefore of great importance in Christianity.
The importance of baptism is emphasized even more by the fact that the newly baptized person has a godparent who guides and accompanies him along the path of Christianity.
Thanks to Choralis Wood Art, you can present the baptism event with a nice product from our art workshop, either as a memory for you or as a suitable gift.
