Baptism can lead from Sacrament to Salvation
Scripture reading: John 3:1-15. Text: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20. In a smaller congregation, like in a big family, we rejoice together when there is reason for it (baptism, wedding, anniversary); or we share our sorrow and support each other when some of us are brokenhearted (serious illness, death, tragedy) as apostle Paul wrote it: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15.
TO BE BORN AND BORN AGAIN.
Our Scripture reading presents the well-known story of Nicodemus who went to see Jesus by night to receive information concerning salvation. Jesus’ reply is familiar to all of us: “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” John 3:5.
Life, in its broadest sense, originates from, belongs to, and depends on God. Even our very own life does not belong to us. But we are, in our total existence, God’s. “You are not your own;” 1 Corinthians 6:19. This short dialogue hits the nail on the head; I asked the Lord to give me many things so I can enjoy life, and the Lord answered; I gave you life so you can enjoy many things.
Everybody wishes to be happy, successful, useful to others, and many thinkers are seeking the surest way to reach these goals. Nicodemus could be considered the prototype of these honest searchers. Our Lord gave two conditions to reach our ultimate goal, to be born of the water and the Spirit. When a child or adult is baptized, the first condition is met. The second condition is as important as the first one, but it does not depend completely on our action; the Spirit is God’s gift upon our asking.
THE MEANING, OBLIGATION AND PROMISE OF THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM.
Every major Christian denomination considers baptism a sacrament and it is a SIGN and SEAL. Baptism is a sign because it symbolizes the cleansing action; as the water makes the body clean likewise the blood of our Savior washes away the sins of the repentant: “. . . and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7/b. Baptism is also a seal. Today the seal lost its original significance, but in the past the seal made a document real and authentic. Whatever was sealed was final and unquestionable. See Matthew 27:66. By baptism, we are sealed that is marked that we belong to the Lord: “He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Corinthians l:21-22.
When a child is baptized, the sacrament incorporates OBLIGATIONS. The older liturgies spelled out these obligations more specifically; “Do you promise to instruct this child in the Word of God, and by precept and example to bring him/her up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?” and “Do you promise to bring this child to the House of God, and see to it that in due time he/she be instructed and prepared for confirmation and the Holy Communion?” The affirmative answers oblige the parents to raise their children in Christian home. The infant baptism looks toward the growth into the maturity of life in Christ. See Ephesians 4:13. The Bible neither prescribes nor forbids baptizing children. When Christ spoke so lovingly about the children: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14) undoubtedly He would be in favor of baptizing them.
Baptism is also a precious PROMISE. At the first, Pentecost when apostle Peter preached so enthusiastically, people had asked: “Brothers, what shall we do?” And apostle Peter replied: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts of Apostles 2:37-38.
Baptism alone is a liturgical action, but when this sacrament is a token and pledge of our faith, hearing the Gospel and receiving the Holy Spirit, then it becomes the guarantee of eternal life as Jesus had clearly proclaimed: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.