Hebrews 6:2

Hebrews 6:2

Instruction about baptism

So we come to the next of the “elementary truths of God’s Word.” In the NIV this is describes as “instruction about cleansing rites” although a footnote in some Bibles replaces this with “baptisms.” The English Standard Version talks about “washings”, the King James uses the word “baptisms” as does the New King James and the Amplified Version replaces this with “ritual purifications.” And so we go on. If the word is correctly translated “baptisms” it is probably embracing the baptism of John, the baptism of converts to Judaism, and the baptism in water sanctioned and taught by Jesus which is practiced by His church. He also talked about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that still causes controversy in the church today! If, however, we are talking about ritual cleansing rites then we are into another whole ball game, the Jews had baptismal pools outside the Temple but also in their synagogues, these were called Mikvehs, they were used monthly by women after menstruation and also before weddings and Feast days. Any new convert to Judaism had to be baptized in the Mikveh, any new food vessel also had to be immersed to make it “kosher.” These rites are still practiced today.

We obviously need some clarity here, so what does the original Greek has to tell us?  The word used by the Jewish writer of Hebrews is “baptismos”. In truth it might be that some new believers were confused as to the ceremonial washings that were part of their Jewish faith and to what extent these were now relevant. Maybe some wanted to continue with these rituals? In the light of this early, 1st Century confusion of course it was important to instruct new converts as to what was the appropriate and necessary baptism or washing, and what was just a traditional ceremonial ablution that was no longer required to prepare a believer for the presence of God. That in no way diminishes the importance of water baptism and the state of being cleansed and holy before God but our “baptism” is not just in water but into the death and resurrection of Christ. Hallelujah!

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