Lesson 657

(Lesson 657)(6-05-13) In order to determine the origin of water immersion (water baptism), as a religious sacrament, I rely heavily on Old Testament scripture as well as historical fact as determined by the most qualified scholars of the times.

According to Maimonides, a Jewish priest of the 12th century, and probably even today, the most respected scholar of Jewish law and tradition, water baptism as it was practiced by the early Hebrews, was originally commanded by God.

The following is a quote from Maimonides, "By three things did Israel enter into the Covenant: by circumcision, and baptism and sacrifice. Circumcision was in Egypt, as it is written: 'No uncircumcised person shall eat thereof' (

Exodus 12:48). Baptism was in the wilderness, just before giving of the Law, as it is written: 'Sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes' (Exodus 19:10). And sacrifice, as it is said: 'And he sent young men of the children of Israel which offered burnt offerings' (Exodus 24:5)…When a gentile is willing to enter the covenant…He must be circumcised and be baptized and bring a sacrifice…And at this time when there is no sacrifice, they must be circumcised and be baptized; and when the Temple shall be built, they are to bring a sacrifice…The gentile that is made a proselyte and the slave that is made free, behold he is like a child new born."

Ritual water washing was required of the ancient Jews to cleanse themselves of all manner of "unclean" substances and circumstances.

It was, just as Maimonides said, required to be done before anyone, even priests, could enter into a holy place or circumstance.

The water baptism John the Baptist offered was a perfect example. The water immersion of Jesus was just such a "baptism" and was done to fulfill "all righteousness" under the law.

There is not sufficient space for me to go into more detail with this segment on the origin of baptism, I won't go there for fear of making these lessons to lengthy. However, if there are any specific questions anyone of you has, I'd be more than happy to answer them to the best of my ability. I recommend that everyone of you search these things on your computer, or the Old Testamen, to satisfy yourselves as to these contentions.
BE SURE to ask questions about anything you either disagree with, or those things I might have confused you with. :)

Tomorrow we will begin our study into every individual mention of baptism appearing in the New Testament.~