Becker Bible Teacher Resources

The Baptism of Jesus Christ is a baptism of redemption through immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Baptism of Jesus Christ frees the believer from the control of sin, by bringing death to sin. When the believer arises from the baptismal waters, he is born again, and resurrected into the new life in Christ Jesus. It is an act of obedience of the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to faith in the final resurrection of the dead.

(Rom. Cath. Ch.) The official act of the Pope declaring a deceased person has entered Heaven and is enjoying the experience in happiness. His declaration bestows the title of Saint to the person, and makes them subject to religious honor and sometimes public cult. Beatification is considered the reflection of sanctification in someone who has died through the authority of the Church.

A 12th century monk who first secluded himself with the Cistercian Movement in 1112. He was of enormous importance and fame for his charismatic writings on the love of God in the 12th century. A larger than life figure, his message always reminded believers of the importance of moral purity and spiritual closeness to God. However, he is reviled by man, even today, for his contradictory participation in the condemnation of Peter Abelard, and his preaching of the Second Crusade. Regardless, by the time Bernard died, there were over 350 Cistercian abbeys throughout Europe as a result of his influence.¹ (See Cistercian Movement)

Reference:

¹ Hill, Jonathan. "Early Christianity: A World Religion." Handbook to the History of Christianity. Zondervan, 2006, 191.

The Lord Jesus Christ taught His Word to His Disciples with four levels of learning. Jewish scholars also teach the Torah on these four classical levels. Christians studying and teaching the Word of God should strive for the same degree of detailed instruction as He moves them to learn.