As I promised, today's lesson will be an explanation and definition of the term baptize.
As I said yesterday, the word baptize was NOT 'translated' but rather 'transliterated' from Greek to English.
To translate is to replace a word as it is written in the original language with a word from the new language that carries forth the same definition and intent. Conversely, to transliterate one need only make up a sound alike word to replace the word from the original language. Transliteration does NOT pass along the definition or intent of the original word.
As has been previously noted, the word "baptize", as it is applied in the New Testament text, was used, not to define, but to simply replace the Greek word "baptizo". Therefore the word baptize should carry forth the same intent as did the word baptizo, which means: to place or immerse something, or someone, into a substance or condition other than what that something or someone is accustomed to so as to permanently alter the physical or spiritual state of that something or someone.
The best and most precise example that shows the meaning of the word baptizo is a text from an ancient Greek doctor and philosopher, a man named Nicander, from 200 B.C. It is a recipe for pickling. This recipe is helpful because it is written in the commonly spoken ancient Greek and uses both the words 'baptizo' as well as 'bapto'. Bapto being a word that far better defines what is almost universally referred to as a baptism today in that it means to simply dip once and stop whereas baptizo means to immerse, or bury into, permanently.
Nicander says that in order to pickle a cucumber, the cucumber should first be bapto'ed 'dipped' into boiling water and then 'baptized' (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change altering or change.
When used in the New Testament, the word 'baptizo' most often refers to our permanent union and identification with Jesus Christ.
Contrary to what is commonly taught, the term 'baptizo' in Greek or the word 'baptize' in English does NOT imply dipping in water as most "Christian" isms contend, but rather it means to be permanently immersed within, or to be permanently sanctified by, the soul saving grace of God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
There will be further discussion of this subject as these lessons progress.
As always, if there is anyone who might have questions concerning any of my comments, please feel free to message me privately or post your questions. ~
No comments:
Post a Comment