Where does the Bible parallel the use of the laver to baptism?
Question:
Hello,
I am trying to finish up my paper, and I remember learning about the basin or laver bowl stand for the tabernacle in Exodus chapter 30, but I can't remember where it says it relates back to baptism. It might be in Hebrews. I was wondering if you had any information on this, I'm trying to wrap up my baptism paper and need that. I forgot where I put all my papers from my class while learning about the tabernacle and the verse references. Good to know if it's even true because it's been a long while. Anyway, if you have anything that would be really cool.
Answer:
The Bible doesn't connect the use of the laver to baptism. People have often made the connection because the laver contained water and was used for washing before entering the tabernacle. Usually Hebrews 10:22 is cited as a reference.
However, the parallel is stretched because the laver wasn't used for immersion. Only the hands and feet were washed (Exodus 30:21). While baptism was a one-time event, the use of the laver was done regularly.
Instead, God says that baptism parallels circumcision. "In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead" (Colossians 2:11-12).
