By Paul Dion, STL
This week we bring you the easiest question that you will ever encounter here. But because it is so easy, we are going to ask a related question that will help you to stretch your minds a little bit. This will also send you to the shelf or the table upon which your Bible rests.
As you all know, the teachings of Jesus and of the Apostles find their roots in the Old Testament. This does not mean that we follow the teachings of the Old Testament word for word. It means that God revealed His wishes to His human creatures many thousands of years ago. As time went on, through the Patriarchs, the Prophets, the Kings, Jesus and the Apostles, His wishes and His commandments became clearer and clearer to us.
Now that Jesus and the Apostles are no longer on earth, Jesus left us with the Church. It is through the Church that we continue our relationship with God the Father, The Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit. The Church provides us with ways to get in touch with God and to stay in touch with Him. The clearest way, and the easiest is through the sacraments. To go back to what I said before, what we believe in today had its roots in the Old Testament. We will therefore give you references to the Old Testament when it is proper to do so in this study of the sacraments.
Therefore, this week's BURNING QUESTION is: What is the Old Testament root of the sacrament of Baptism? To whom did God give it?
CLICK HERE to see the answer and a short lesson about Baptism.
Click the Comments link below to post a comment.
Since baptism replaced the OT practice of Circumcisiom... I would have to say, Circumcision... The earliest reference to it is in Deut 10:16, I believe. I would guess it was given to Moses.
ReplyDeleteCircumcision is correct. Please allow me to refer you all to the book of Genesis, Chapter 17 when God enters into a covenant with Abraham. The language is unmistakable.
ReplyDeleteLet me suggest that if you want to know the source of the teachings of Jesus, it would be a very good idea to read Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy with great attention. It is not necessary to analyze, it is reading that will open your minds to the reasons why Jesus said the things He said and lived the way He lived. Don't analyze it, enjoy it.