Over the last several weeks I have enjoyed two baptisms and one remembrance of baptism. The first baptism occurred on my way into church one morning when I knocked over my coffee thus pouring the liquid over the floor board of my new car. Yes, it was Trinitarian in nature. A week later a cup of coffee was placed in a cup holder when the car ran over a bump causing the liquid to splash. All I could say was “Rejoice and remember your baptism”! The second baptism came weeks later when I was washing dishes. My cell phone rang but before I could answer it I needed to dry my hands. Reaching for a dish towel I forgot that ear phones were attached to the phone. My phone was baptized by the time honored tradition of immersion. Again, it was Trinitarian in nature.
Often the means by which a person is baptized becomes the focus of a baptism. How many times have you been asked by what method did your baptism occur? This has become a sticking point between denominations as to which method is right or wrong. The act becomes more important than the reason.
What is baptism? Baptism can be understood as a means by which a person is initiated into the church. It is also one of the ways a person experiences the divine love of God. In the exercising of the “Baptismal Covenant’ in our Book of Worship, people of all ages are recognized as participants in covenant with God. Baptism is an outward and visible sign of God’s inward grace. Since baptism is God’s action it is an unrepeatable event. God never fails to uphold God’s side of the covenant. Therefore, the covenant is never broken. While it is a single non-repeatable act at a particular time, baptism cannot be limited to a moment in time. Baptism is God’s way of promising to fulfill divine salvation. Repentance, justification, new birth, and ultimately sanctification aides my understanding that baptism is also a part of the journey of holiness but not a requirement for justification. Since a person continues to sin throughout their journey, baptism is God’s promise to forgive sins when the believer repents.
Another controversial difference between denominations is who can be baptized? In the United Methodist Church we practice the baptism of children and infants. We affirm our practice through Scripture. Acts 2:38-41 and 16:15, 33 refers to household baptisms which included children. However, the most compelling Scripture reference for me talking about children is located in Matthew 19:13-15. Children were brought to Jesus for him to lay his hands on them, pray for them, and bless them. Baptism marks the beginning of a faith journey. In the baptism of infants and children, the parents of the children, and the faith community, share in the responsibility of nurturing the children’s faith. Children and infants are heirs to the inheritance of the Kingdom of God. One of my greatest joys came during an infant baptism service. The joy on the faces of those in attendance as they remembered their baptism, their children’s baptism, and knowing they would also be a part of the life of this young baby for some time to come let us know we are body of Christ nurtured by the Spirit.
Baptism gives us a chance to remember God’s grace through the Holy Spirit and the vows we took when we were received as members into the church. It is a special time of worship.
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