Baptism Quote by Thomas Hobbes
“From what cause the rite of baptism first proceeded is not expressed formally in the scripture, but it may be probably thought to be an imitation of the law of Moses concerning leprosy, wherein the leprous man was commanded to be kept out of the camp of Israel for a certain time, after which time being judged by the priest to be clean, he was admitted into the camp after a solemn washing. And this may therefore be a type of the washing in baptism, wherein such men as are cleansed of the leprosy of Sin by Faith, are received into the church with the solemnity of baptism.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Leviathan, 1651
Baptism is likened to the cleansing of leprosy, symbolizing removal of sin and entry into the community of believers.
In simple terms: Baptism cleanses sin and welcomes believers.
Key Takeaway
Seek spiritual cleansing and community.
Themes
faith
ritual
purification
community
symbolism
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
theological
historical
When to use this quote
- church membership
- personal repentance
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
theology
biblical typology
ritual symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view shape your understanding of baptism?
- What modern rituals echo this cleansing?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations may differ across denominations.
![“[Naaman] dipped himself," it says, "seven times in Jordan." It was not for nothing that Naaman of old, when suffering from leprosy, was purified upon his being baptized, but as an indication to us. For as we are lepers in sin, we are made clean by means of the sacred water and the invocation of…” quote by Irenaeus of Lyons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9eb/irenaeus-of-lyons-18423_babe_naaman-dipped-himself-it-says-seven-time_627335.jpg)
