Baptism in the Bible

Baptism is a monumental sacrament that individuals receive when they are adopted into the church. This ritual cleanses individuals, wipes away their Original Sin, strengthens them, and prepares them for the faith as followers of Christ. After reading chapter one of Robin M. Jensen's Baptismal Imagery in Early Christianity, I was intrigued by the prevalence of the theme in both biblical narratives and works of art that baptism has spiritual and corporal rejuvenating powers. Since artists and authors devote themselves to depicting the power of water in certain past events that parallel to baptism, this is evidence that the sacrament has been an important part of Christian traditions throughout time. The story in the Bible about Moses and the Red Sea crossing is a particularly striking symbol of baptism. The Israelites were a helpless and innocent group of people whom the Egyptians enslaved, and because of this, God sent down Moses to save them and guide them toward attaining freedom. As part of the journey to escape the Egyptians, Moses parted the Red Sea with the assistance of God and led the Israelites across the water toward salvation. Trailing behind them were the Egyptians who represent evil and sinfulness, just like sin is a pestering force that Christians try to escape but only can with the healing powers of water in baptism (and after confession). The powerful waters of the sea destroyed the Egyptian army but saved the holy Israelites, demonstrating that good always trumps evil. Because of this, the water drowned the Egyptians, the source of cruelty and injustice, just like the waters in baptism drown an individual's personal sins. Water is a rejuvenating and cleansing medium that results in the promise of a new life for the Israelites, which parallels to the baptismal waters' rebirth and renewal the enables individuals to begin a new life in the church. The Israelites felt empowered spiritually and physically after the waters rejuvenated them and demolished the enemy, connecting to baptism and the benefits associated, which are the spiritual presence of the Trinity and the physical ability to feel more capable and healthy since the individual is able to drive out darkness. Reading this chapter opened my eyes to the similarities between biblical anecdotes and the sacrament of baptism, which enhances my understanding of the sacrament and how it developed over time.