What happens in baptism?

By Rev Kenneth Mtata 

9 January 2022

Today's readings 

Isaiah 43:1-7 

Psalm 29 

Acts 8:14-17

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Verse of the day:

"Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." (Luke 3:21-22).

One event that ushers people into being followers of Christ or disciples, is baptism. Today's readings remind us of our own  baptisms and the baptism of our Lord Jesus. But what exactly happens in baptism? Why was it so important that even our Lord was also baptised?

In baptism God does three things in and through water and his word that changes our identity forever. 

First, in baptism God reclaims us individually and collectively not only as God's people but Beloved children. "Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened and a voice came from heaven... "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." (Luke 3:21-22). In baptism heaven and earth are connected in God's children.  They are reclaimed each by name. It is as if God was creating the universe again, because when God created, "the earth was void and the Spirit of God hoovered over the dark deep, and then God said, LET THERE BE..." When through the Spirit God spoke the word at creation, reality became concretised.  Things could be named. We become something in Baptism--we have significance that no-one can take away from us. In baptism the "voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over mighty waters" (Psalm 29:3). The mystery of becoming a child of God happens in baptism.  So God can say, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine" (Isaiah 43:1).

Second, in baptism, we are freed from the claim and hold of sin. Every one born on earth is born in sin and separated from God. As Psalm 51:5 says, "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me." In baptism,  God does not only wash us from that strong stain of sin. He also destroys its claim on us. God delivers us from the devil's title deeds on us. God is already judging the world because of sin. His "winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." (Luke 3:17). But in baptism God tells our captors to free us.

"I will say to the north, "Give them up," and to the south, "Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth" (Isaiah 43:6). When God has forgiven us and set us free, he also empowers us to fight sin in all its forms everyday. Those who have forgotten what their baptism will take sin casually. "May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!" (Psalm 29:11). When we are forgiven we are at peace with God but also fear to sin against him.

Third, in baptism we are given the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God. So in baptism,  God gives himself to us. God dwells in us. We become like gods. By baptising us "with the Holy Spirit and fire" (Luke 3:16), the "LORD flashes forth flames of fire" (Psalm 29:7) around us as he around the garden of Eden when he removed Adam and Eve. We are now back into the garden and the flames of fire are around us to protect  and propel us. We get the energy of God in baptism. In baptism you are so powerful that when "you pass through the waters, God will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you" (Isaiah 43:2). With the Spirit of God is in and around us, we are God's property: "trespassers will be prosecuted".

If in baptism we are named by name, forgiven our sins, and give the Holy Spirit, we should act our size on earth.  We can't live lives of despising ourselves,  guilty, being apologetic and powerless.  Remember you are baptised!

Prayer:

We thank you God for Holy baptism. Help us to show that we are now yours and we have power.

AMEN.

DAILY DISCIPLES