Baptism
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quarters. Christianity became an underground movement. It was too<br />
dangerous to be a Christian. In order to safeguard the Church, strict regulatory<br />
membership and initiation ceremonies were instituted. <strong>Baptism</strong> now found<br />
new emphasis and meaning. Every one who wants to join the Church will<br />
have to proclaim their allegiance and Lordship of Jesus before all the<br />
assembly and undergo the humiliating initiation. This way every member<br />
knew who were their allies and who were not. Their very life depended on it.<br />
To these early churches added two other forms of <strong>Baptism</strong>s, viz. <strong>Baptism</strong> of<br />
desire and <strong>Baptism</strong> by blood.<br />
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<strong>Baptism</strong> by Blood<br />
MARTYRDOM<br />
This is the baptism which Jesus took and which the Apostles and the martyrs<br />
took.<br />
Matthew 20:22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye<br />
able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the<br />
baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.<br />
Matthew 20:23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and<br />
be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with:<br />
Early Church recognized martyrs who died in the course of persecution even<br />
when they were not baptized with water. The blood was a better element for<br />
baptism than water. The furniture in the Holy of Holies were baptized with<br />
blood, while those who entered into the outer court and into the Holies were<br />
washed only with water from the laver.<br />
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