Page 58 - what a christianbelieveslastfinaltest3a_Neat

What a Christian Believes

earliest times by the Jews, long before Christ came. So the
early christians had an understanding of Baptism and its
significance; that it meant to be thoroughly covered, either by
water, by suffering or by the power of the Holy Spirit.

With this existing understanding, Jesus established Christian
Baptism or Baptism in Water.

 BAPTISM IN WATER

It should be noted that throughout history there have been
many sincerely held disagreements between christians about
Baptism in water. The end result has been to have two
different types of Baptism in various parts of the Church.

One is Infant Baptism, sometimes called Christening; the
other Adult Baptism sometimes called Believers Baptism.

The arguments between Bible scholars have caused many
volumes to be written on the subject. Even so, the two
different positions hinge on some simple differences in
interpretation and every Christian should be capable of
working out for themselves what they believe and what they
will practice.

The Old Testament teaching.

The Old Testament does not directly teach about Christian
doctrines or Baptism in particular. It teaches about God and
his dealings with man and the truth about the SAVIOUR TO
COME. These truths are often hidden in customs and rituals
which are symbols of the reality that would come later.

For instance the sacrificial lamb that was offered at passover
is a picture of Jesus Christ, who later became the LAMB of
GOD - God's sacrificial offering for us.

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