We say we are one, serving one Lord in on Faith- but there are two factors that regularly bedevil us – Baptism and Communion. As a child, I remember trying to understand the difference between ‘Jesus’ only and the rest of us who call on the name of Jesus. I also recall the deep rooted prejudices of religiosity that segregated many countries just as painfully as racism. Before we cast stones and point fingers, I invite us to consider today’s Holy NougatTM “There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.” Ephesians 4:5-6 NLTBaptism, the formal (rather, the Public) sign of one’s decision to follow Christ usually involves water – whether by sprinkling, pouring or immersion. It speaks to the choice to be immersed fully into Life by the Living Water, Jesus, and a renouncing of one’s former lifestyle. More symbolically, we are told in Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12, that baptism also signifies our belief in Christ’s resurrection and return. For, in going ‘under’ the water we die to flesh and emerge, risen in Christ. If someone has not been baptized by way of immersion, does that mean they have new life in Christ? I leave that one for Christ to confirm or denounce.There is a practice now, that may have existed then however, that I often associate with ‘one Baptism’. That is, the premise of ‘re-baptizing’ persons who were not baptized in one’s tradition, especially with regard to the ‘name(s) used for the baptismal act or the symbolic methods used. While this may seem a no-brainer for some, and we may even hold it as nonsense, what do we do with the differences in theological opinion? I would argue that we recognize that with all the differences of opinion – whether sprinkled, poured or immersed; ‘in Jesus’ name’ or ‘in the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost’ – we are all prone to sin. even after the act of Baptism. And when we have sinned, it is the Grace of God IN Jesus Christ that will save us. Again and again and again and again.
What we need therefore is to grasp the importance of this sacrament – even Jesus himself CHOSE to be associated with the act – and recognize that when we confess our sins Jesus is Faithful and Just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from our unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Further, like the Woman at the Well (the Sychar Woman), we need to recognize Who we have taken into our lives and drink of the Living Water. One Baptism? I maintain that it is only necessary once. As our roots grow deeper in the soil of our Faith, may we find our identity grounded in the One Who truly provides Living Water and raises us to Life.–
May all we seek be found in Christ
