Scriptural
Reference:
"And
I will sprinkle on you pure water, and you will be clean from all of
your uncleanness, and I will cleanse you from all of your idols. And
I will give a new heart to you, and a new spirit I will give into your
inner parts, and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh, and
I will give to you a heart of flesh."
Ezekiel 36:25–26
"But his servants
came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet
has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you,
‘Wash, and be clean’?” So he went down and dipped himself seven times
in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh
was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean."
2 Kings 5:13-14
"let us approach
with a true heart in the full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled
clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Hebrews 10:22
"For by one
Spirit we were all baptised into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether
slaves or free persons, and all were made to drink one Spirit."
1 Corinthians 12:13
"Therefore
we have been buried with him through baptism into death, in order that
just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father,
so also we may live a new way of life."
Romans 6:4
Reflection:
Baptism isn't just a way to show your faith or a way to set Christians
apart from those who haven't been baptised It's also a symbol of being
born again, where those who are baptised properly become part of the
Church. Through this act, the promises of forgiveness and our adoption
as God's children through the Holy Spirit are clearly marked. It strengthens
our faith and boosts our grace through prayer to God. The practice of
baptising young children should definitely continue in the Church, as
it aligns well with what Christ intended.
So we can perceive
the sacrament of Baptism is where God is actively involved, serving
as a visible sign of the deeper, unseen work happening within each Christian.
When someone is Baptised, they make solemn promises about how they want
to live, and then they're immersed in the 'baptismal' waters. This moment
initiate a fresh relationship with God for the person being Baptised
For some the physical process of being submerged under water and then
rising up out of it signifies or symbolises the death and burial of
the old person and the rebirth of the new Christian. Jesus mentioned
this aspect in John 3:6. That which is born of flesh is flesh and is
corruptible and will die. While that which is born of spirit is spirit
and will continue on. As for the element of water; Water in the New
Testament symbolises renewal and fresh starts, especially highlighted
by Jesus' baptism in the gospels. It represents God's everlasting support,
as seen in Revelation 22:17, which invites everyone to freely take the
water of life as a gift.
In the Anglican
Church of Australia, the sacrament of Baptism is open to all individuals
who have a desire to be initiated into the faith. This includes those
who have personally embraced Jesus the Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
Historically, Baptism has typically been administered to infants when
they are incapable of verbal expression, with parents and godparents
assuming responsibility for making spiritual commitments on the child's
behalf. These commitments involve raising the child in alignment with
Christian teachings as they are instructed about God's unmerited favour.
While this traditional method has endured over time, there is a growing
trend of adults presenting themselves for Baptism after encountering
the gospel later in life. This shift reflects a wider cultural shift
towards individual choice and personal conviction in matters of faith.
Also traditionally
those who seek baptism for either their children or themselves will
approach a church and make such a request. In the past there would be
an expectation that the individual or family will attend the church.
So as to be able to learn more about the grace and faith they desire
to be Baptised into. Though, in recent years, this expectation has been
less likely to be voiced. I remember attending a church where the family
of a child were there to have the young baby Baptised The service started
with the baptism. The parents, baby and godparents stood at the front
of the church. A set of promises or pledges were recited by the parents,
godparents as well as the church. Once the baptism was completed the
family sat down again and the minister began the main part of the service
with the Bible reading. The family realised that the church service
had begun and not wanting to sit through a sermon all got up and walked
out. After this incident they stopped handing the baptismal paperwork
to the family until after the service; thus stopping a hasty retreat
from church. Personally I feel deeply sad that people are ready to be
Baptised without the commitment.
At a Baptism, the
significance revolves around the act of making specific pledges to God
regarding the desired way of life. In the case of an infant or child,
Baptism primarily signifies the commitment to raise the child according
to certain religious values. For adults, the ritual involves professing
faith in God, often done by reciting the Apostles' Creed. Subsequently,
there is a symbolic act that entails being sprinkled with holy water
or even fully immersed. The ritual may also involve the marking of the
cross using consecrated oil. Moreover, the congregation plays an essential
role by pledging their unwavering support and encouragement to the individual
undergoing the Baptism ceremony. In the Anglican Church, it is common
for individuals to be Baptised at a young age. Later in life, usually
during adolescence or early adulthood, these individuals have the opportunity
to undergo a special ceremony known as confirmation, overseen by a Bishop
or Archbishop. This ritual allows them to publicly affirm their personal
commitment to the Christian faith and their belief in God and Jesus
Christ. It is a significant moment where believers acknowledge their
salvation rooted in the grace and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Something that
I personally hold in high regard can be found outlined in Article XXV
of Religion regarding the Sacraments. This article serves as a beacon
of empowerment, bestowing upon each Baptised believer the solemn authority
to perform the sacred ritual of baptism. Whether one be a venerable
Bishop, a devout Priest, or any faithful Christian initiated through
the sacrament of baptism, this provision signifies a profound trust
in the hands of each dedicated church member. It underscores the weighty
responsibility and noble privilege of administering the sacrament of
baptism to an individual of value, who fervently seeks to walk in the
esteemed path of the Lord.
"Therefore
go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"
Matthew 28:19
In closing we learn
that in the New Testament, water serves as a powerful symbol of rebirth
and new beginnings, a theme beautifully illuminated through Jesus' baptism
in the gospels. This symbol extends to convey the constant presence
of God's nurturing care and grace, as exemplified in Revelation 22:17.
Here
the invitation to partake freely of the life-giving water symbolises
a profound gift of hope and renewal
for all who seek it.