Baptism—the washing itself—is central to the "awe-inspiring rites of initiation." This week Fr. Gabriel explores the biblical background to baptism in the Old Testament, looks at the immediate background for Christian baptism in the rites available at the time of Jesus, and finishes with five headings under which baptism may be understood from a biblical perspective. Along the way he also looks at the concept of "sealing" which is so important in understanding the imposition of the Holy Spirit. Next time we will return to more exploration of the early rites themselves, and ultimately move into the commitment required to become Christian then and now.