Today I witnessed a baptism in church. This wasn't any ordinary baptism. This baptism was for some friends of ours. They just had a baby girl about a week and a half ago and so I paid extra attention to everything that was going on. Why? Mostly because I will be the one going through this miraculous ritual whenever my little one decides to join us. As we were going through the service of baptism I realized the words that were spoken. Yes, the same words that I've repeated countless times, in a robotic sort of way. For those of us who sometimes fall into that mindset of going through the motions, I thought I would touch on some of the parts of what we say during this special occasion.
First off, the Minister starts off with the confession of sins and rightly so. After all, during baptism we are drowning our sinful nature, putting to death all it's evil deeds. The pastor says, "Our Savior Jesus commanded baptism when he said: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (This was spoken in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20) The pastor continues: "All of us are born into this world with a deep need for baptism. From our parents we inherit a sinful nature; we are without true fear of God and true faith in God and are condemned to eternal death.(Psalm 51:5 - "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.") But Jesus took away our sin by giving his life on the cross. At our baptism he clothes us with the robe of his righteousness and gives us a new life. Our sinful nature need not control us any longer. ( Ephesians 2:1-10 )
You see, we are dead in our sins from conception. The only way to Christ is through baptism and God's Word. Christ suffered on our behalf, he took all his sins on him so that we wouldn't have to pay the price we could never afford to pay. Through that, he mediates for us when it comes to our relationship with God. To see this happen through baptism, is an amazing thing.
In order to see our need for a Savior, we confess our sins. Without knowing and realizing our need for a Savior, we think how we, a puny human, can somehow make it through this grief stricken world without any help. Sad, really. I hate saying I need the help, but I'm glad that the help I ask for has promised to always keep me safe.
The Exhortation part of the baptism hit me the hardest, I think. The minister says: "Brothers and sisters in Christ: Our Lord commands that we teach his precious truths to all who are baptized. Christian love therefore urges all of us, especially parents and sponsors, to assist in whatever manner possible so that (insert name) may remain a child of God until death. If you are willing to carry out this responsibility, then answer: Yes, as God gives me strength.
Many times I've answered "Yes, as God gives me strength." Then I've thought of all those baptisms I've been through. I've seen people fall away, I've seen struggle between conforming to the world instead of transforming in Christ. God has given me the strength but I've been too complacent to say anything. I've promised to help these baptized children remain a child of God until death. So many times I've said these words but only going through the motions to get this extra part of the church service over with. (I'm ashamed to admit it.)
So what am I trying to say? Here's where I pick up for lost time. Here's where I encourage my fellow Christians to stand up for Jesus. To live a life worthy of the teaching we have received. I tell my students that it's too easy to follow this world, it's too easy to say, "Meh, I'm at least going to heaven." Christ did not die for this. He died so that ALL may inherit eternal life. Ephesians 5:1-2, 15-17 says: "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."
I've talked to many people about why they don't speak to others about God's word. Most people answer that they don't want to say the wrong thing, while others don't want to be mocked or disliked by people. This even applies to other Christians. We cannot let this thinking impede our willingness to serve our God and help others who are hurting. I want my family and friends in heaven with me singing praises to God. I don't wish anyone to go to hell. The soul of a person is the most important thing that we have in this life. How we treat it will last beyond this lifetime.
So I ask you, are you willing to carry out this responsibility? If not, go to God's Word, talk to a pastor, or family member, or friend who can encourage you to strengthen your faith. If you need help with encouragement read 1 & 2 Timothy. I continually pray that we all answer "Yes, as God gives me strength!"
Down in the River to Pray
First off, the Minister starts off with the confession of sins and rightly so. After all, during baptism we are drowning our sinful nature, putting to death all it's evil deeds. The pastor says, "Our Savior Jesus commanded baptism when he said: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (This was spoken in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20) The pastor continues: "All of us are born into this world with a deep need for baptism. From our parents we inherit a sinful nature; we are without true fear of God and true faith in God and are condemned to eternal death.(Psalm 51:5 - "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.") But Jesus took away our sin by giving his life on the cross. At our baptism he clothes us with the robe of his righteousness and gives us a new life. Our sinful nature need not control us any longer. ( Ephesians 2:1-10 )
You see, we are dead in our sins from conception. The only way to Christ is through baptism and God's Word. Christ suffered on our behalf, he took all his sins on him so that we wouldn't have to pay the price we could never afford to pay. Through that, he mediates for us when it comes to our relationship with God. To see this happen through baptism, is an amazing thing.
In order to see our need for a Savior, we confess our sins. Without knowing and realizing our need for a Savior, we think how we, a puny human, can somehow make it through this grief stricken world without any help. Sad, really. I hate saying I need the help, but I'm glad that the help I ask for has promised to always keep me safe.
The Exhortation part of the baptism hit me the hardest, I think. The minister says: "Brothers and sisters in Christ: Our Lord commands that we teach his precious truths to all who are baptized. Christian love therefore urges all of us, especially parents and sponsors, to assist in whatever manner possible so that (insert name) may remain a child of God until death. If you are willing to carry out this responsibility, then answer: Yes, as God gives me strength.
Many times I've answered "Yes, as God gives me strength." Then I've thought of all those baptisms I've been through. I've seen people fall away, I've seen struggle between conforming to the world instead of transforming in Christ. God has given me the strength but I've been too complacent to say anything. I've promised to help these baptized children remain a child of God until death. So many times I've said these words but only going through the motions to get this extra part of the church service over with. (I'm ashamed to admit it.)
So what am I trying to say? Here's where I pick up for lost time. Here's where I encourage my fellow Christians to stand up for Jesus. To live a life worthy of the teaching we have received. I tell my students that it's too easy to follow this world, it's too easy to say, "Meh, I'm at least going to heaven." Christ did not die for this. He died so that ALL may inherit eternal life. Ephesians 5:1-2, 15-17 says: "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."
I've talked to many people about why they don't speak to others about God's word. Most people answer that they don't want to say the wrong thing, while others don't want to be mocked or disliked by people. This even applies to other Christians. We cannot let this thinking impede our willingness to serve our God and help others who are hurting. I want my family and friends in heaven with me singing praises to God. I don't wish anyone to go to hell. The soul of a person is the most important thing that we have in this life. How we treat it will last beyond this lifetime.
So I ask you, are you willing to carry out this responsibility? If not, go to God's Word, talk to a pastor, or family member, or friend who can encourage you to strengthen your faith. If you need help with encouragement read 1 & 2 Timothy. I continually pray that we all answer "Yes, as God gives me strength!"
Down in the River to Pray
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