sure I will read up on it more - thanks
Ah this takes me back to my foray into the Protestant “world”. I was assured that leaving Catholicism was the best thing I could do, that EVERYTHING I needed to know was clear as crystal in Scripture, etc… However this is one of those simple questions that no one would/could answer, what is Baptism? Are there literally three baptisms, water, spirit and fire? I was thrown some scripture and if I didn’t “get it” then I was labeled a “bloomin’ idiot” and yes that’s a direct quote!
I appreciate the honesty, but perhaps as you read, you will understand why there is no “ministerial priesthood” like that of some churches. Plus you won’t find the word “priest” except in reference to Jesus as high priest, one time used by Paul, but not in the Catholic understanding; otherwise it is used in regard to the shadow priesthood of the OT.
That is a shame that some one who would associate themselves as a Christian would call you names like that; given the context that you searching for answers.Ah this takes me back to my foray into the Protestant “world”. I was assured that leaving Catholicism was the best thing I could do, that EVERYTHING I needed to know was clear as crystal in Scripture, etc… However this is one of those simple questions that no one would/could answer, what is Baptism? Are there literally three baptisms, water, spirit and fire? I was thrown some scripture and if I didn’t “get it” then I was labeled a “bloomin’ idiot” and yes that’s a direct quote!
Please, go ahead and explain. I can handle complexityThat is a shame that some one who would associate themselves as a Christian would call you names like that; given the context that you searching for answers.
Baptism means “immersion” or “to be immersed”. You are either immersed into Christ via the Holy Spirit (saved) or immersed into water (outward identification with Christ death, burial and resurrection) or immersed into fire (ouch).
There is another baptism and perhaps even a fifth, but Jesus immersion was unique and one time for Him, never to be repeated in any manner. I don’t want to bring up the fifth because it gets very complex and has no effect on salvation or lack of salvation.
I’m impressed you are familiar with the fact that there are at least 3 mentioned and all appear in a single statement by john the Baptist.
I am not dogmatic because it is something I see in Scripture, but not something I have pursued with God in completely understanding. In other words, I may be wrong; I don’t think I am, but I may be. It makes sense, but human logic and reasoning is often apart from God’s wisdom and knowledge. This is why we must always pray and seek His wisdom and His understanding.
I have been benched by another forum members advise, so I will be leaving a short while.
**St. Dismus (the good thief) is our first Catholic Saint. This is a transition period between OT and NT covenant. Christ had not yet risen so it is not entirely clear theologically speaking if the baptismal aspect of the NT covenant were in place for him. There were many pre-Chrisian just souls of course who were waiting for heaven to be opened by Christ in the place we call the “Bosom of Abraham” from OT literature. This is the place we generally believe is called “paradise” - it is not the same place as heaven and being in beatitude with God. But hold that thought one moment. There is also a teaching of “baptism by desire” where the Good Thief most definately put his faith in Christ and so we assume that God Himself through the will of His Son Baptised St. Dismus supernaturally (God is not limited to the sacraments and may do as He wills). This is the same principal that permits us to take comfort that souls who have never had the occasion for baptism due to repression or cultural problems but nonetheless came into a desire to conform to Christian principals could be baptised by desire.