One Baptism

Usually when we are told there is just one way to accomplish something, our natural response is to challenge that idea. Have you ever felt like that? We like options. Just ask any parent, and they will tell you about all the creative ways their young children try to challenge them.  Show a ‘do it yourself’ home renovator the only way, and he can show you 3 others.

In the history of the Church, denominations have started out of different views in practicing baptism. If you do a quick Google search on types of baptism, you will find ‘endless’ resources on baptism by immersion, sprinkling, adult baptism only, infant baptism, who can baptize, where to baptize, and when.

Although, people claim different practices, one thing is indisputable: there is one baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I am not going to make a case for any particular practice here, rather, I want to focus on what Paul tell us in Ephesians 4:5 “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”

As Anglicans we accept all Christian baptisms, no matter the mode, from previous churches.  There is no need to be baptized again. Many theologians, Bishops and priests draw this belief directly from this Ephesians 4:5 passage.  It is an unifying belief that despite the different approaches to baptism we are all of one faith, one baptism, under one Lord, Jesus Christ.

The beauty of Baptism and the Eucharist is the fact that both sacraments were instituted by Jesus, and have a very mystical nature of union with Him.

Christ didn’t have to be baptized. Some scholars say his baptism was one of identification, since He had no need of cleansing or repentance. In his baptism, the symbolic death we go through in our baptism takes on special meaning. The Holy Spirit visually announces his presence with Christ, and the Father’s voice is clearly heard (Matthew 3:13-17).   Jesus begins his ministry on Earth with a declaration that through his death our flesh would be redeemed and united with our Triune God.

Jesus’s incarnation, death, resurrection and ascension is the one and only way of actively redeeming and restoring the beauty of all creation. We declare our faith in Him and the completion of his work when we’re baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (regardless of the amount of water used).

Paul says this beautifully in Rom 6: 3-4:

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

On October 13, there will be an opportunity for baptism in our 11am service. This is a time when we, as a church family, can witness, pray, support, and welcome both children and adults who enter into the Kingdom of God through the completion of His work. This Sunday at 10am, Christiane and I will be expanding this teaching on Baptism. Please, join us at the Trustees room if you have any questions or would like to be part of this important discussion.

We celebrate together our participation in His Body (“There is one body and one Spirit” – Eph. 4:4).

No matter what differences we may have with others in the Christian world, remember the unifying words – “One Lord, one faith, one baptism”.

Blessings and Peace,

Rev. Todd and Dr. Christiane