Theologia of Baptism (lutheran)
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“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus”. Roman 6:1-11
Baptism is one of the most important aspects of the Christian life. Baptism is the essence of the Christian life because in it we are joined in the economy of God. In the next couple pages I will examine the Biblical Roots of the Liturgical Action. How did ancient catechumens experience this liturgical act? What is being expressed? How does this liturgical act express Christian identity? How does the liturgical rite connect the baptized to the church?
Unfortunately, there is no baptismal liturgy in the bible neither in the Old nor the New Testaments. Nevertheless we cannot deny Matt 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Even though it is not “the” baptismal liturgy it is the center where all liturgies have received their formula.
Baptisms in the ancient times were known for their ritual ceremonies. The process would take three to four years prior to be baptism through rigorous studies of the New Testament and also in order that the individual will be aware with the rites and planning. The preparation would start during the 40 days of Lent season prior to Easter . Being a catechumenate is to be between both worlds the sinners and the Christians
The catechumens were usually Baptized at Easter vigil. The process would start by having the individual renouncing the evils work and things. His knowledge regarding God is being tested, making sure the person is ready to enter such a divine ritual. The hands ,of those who have been accepted already in the church, are laid upon the individual and the sign of the cross is given as a preliminary entrance into a new beginning from the entanglements of this life.
As St. Augustine postulates, one should not need to abandon from earthly things, but remain in the world as long as one does not become of the world. Having done all the preparation needed, baptism then adds a new dimension “a new Christian dimension per se” to the individual, which is always felt from within, in order that it can begin to work on the mind of such an individual; for him to receive the attributes of a Christian life in this sinful world. In the ancient times, the procedure of baptism and its preparation was a tiring process that includes, devotion, study, anticipation, and ritual understanding which often has a down fall of leaving a catechumenate the desire to remain in that state for life instead of going through the process.
After making such decision to undergo these steps and studying the knowledge needed, one is now identified as a “competence” or has enough knowledge and groundwork to go through the Lenten process of Baptism. After devoting oneself to the understanding of the Gospels of John, Psalms and different issues associated to the church or the Christian life, one undergoes fasting which represent Christ in the wilderness fasting for 40 days. The memorization of the Lords Prayer (also known as the perfect prayer) was required because it was believed to be the foundation of doctrine and the liturgy of the church. The Creed was also a requirement in order that the individual might be aware of the essence of our faith from the start to the end and to receive knowledge about the Trinity, and His sacrifice for our salvation as well as His perfect gift through His Son. In Baptism a new person is being born with the Holy Spirit in order that His work and His will be done.
In entering the outer hall of baptistery the Catechumens are asked to face the west where the sun sets which symbolized darkness, the sinful world which one has been living in has been left behind. As the individual is entering