HOLY BAPTISM

This morning I was privileged to witness a young man being baptized in the presence of fellow students of his Christian school. Although I have baptized many candidates of all ages over the years I was struck anew by the solemnity and age-old requirements of the baptismal liturgy. The young man answered the following questions:

Do you renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all its covetous desires of the same, and the sinful desires of the flesh, so that you will not follow, nor be led by them?

I renounce them all; and by God’s help, will endeavor not to follow, nor be led by them.

Do you believe in Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Living God?

I do.

Do you accept him, and desire to follow him as your Saviour and Lord?

I do.

Do you believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith, as contained in the Apostles’ Creed?

I do.

Will you be baptized in this Faith?

That is my desire.

Will you then obediently keep God’s holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of your life?

I will, by God’s help.

Then follows this prayer:

O Merciful God, grant that like as Christ died and rose again, so this young man may die to sin and rise to newness of life. Grant that all sinful affections may die in him, and that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in him. Grant that he may have power and strength to have victory, and to triumph, against the devil, the world and the flesh.

After the baptism all the congregation welcomes the young man with these words:

We receive this young man into the congregation of Christ’s flock; and do sign him with the sign of the Cross, in token that hereafter he shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and manfully to fight under his banner, against sin, the world, and the devil; and to continue Christ’s faithful soldier and servant unto his life’s end. Amen.

The service concludes with this Benediction:

The Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named; grant you to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that, Christ dwelling in your hearts by faith, you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Amen.

The service caused me to pray all these words for all my loved ones: for my children and grandchildren, and for myself that they and I may live up to these wonderful prayers and intentions, for these same words were prayed over and for me at my baptism in my home church in 1941 (see below). May God help us to bring many others to this saving faith in the midst of a world that sorely needs the Gospel of this Faith.

All Saints Church, Hokitika