Catholic ping!
Oh how I love to read the Early Church Fathers.
It’s all so very mystic. Evidence, facts and truth will prevail.
“St. Justin Martyr emphasized that the Son had no need to be baptized—just as he had no need to be born, to suffer, or die—but did so in order to reveal himself to mankind....”
Or to put it in modern parlance: He was baptized by his cousin because it was his coming out party. And early version of a debutante ball in society circles.
We went on a trip to Israel this summer with our temple. My wife and kids are Jews. I’m born Catholic, raised nothing. I grew up in a Jewish house because my mom remarried.
Anyway, my wife asked the rabbi if I could convert on the trip.
The only barrier was we needed three rabbis to do a ceremony in a body of water. I didn’t get the low down on whether I needed to be dipped, like a baptism. We couldn’t get three together at once so it didn’t matter.
It did get me thinking about the origins of baptism and the Jewish ceremony. They must be related through history. Is it possible that baptism is an age old declaration of faith that was practiced before Jesus? Did Jews appropriate the ceremony after him?
I will need to ask a rabbi and one of the priests at the local catholic school (where I coach HS lacrosse) one of these days.
I’m thinking the thief on the cross next to Jesus did not get baptized, but he did get to paradise. Just saying.
Follow me. I will show you the way. Jesus.
Jesus established the Sacraments:
Baptism
Eucharist
Confession
Confirmation
Holy Orders
Marriage
Anointing of the Sick
He did all for our salvation.
You need to ask the guys that painted these pictures.
http://topinfopost.com/2014/06/01/ancient-art-aliens-and-ufos
Baptism cannot and does NOT save you.
Baptism is the outward expression of your heart’s decision to follow CHRIST.
bump
“Why did Jesus insist on being baptized?”
To legitimize the act?
Never ask anyone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself?
Even the son of God must be cleansed of his sins?