Sacramental Identity: Baptism
And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
You are warmly welcome to Kakumba Chapel.
Baptism is a sacrament or outward symbol of purification or regeneration by the grace of God and admission to the Christian Church. Talking of symbols, recall the picture of Stephen Kiprotich wrapped in a Ugandan flag after winning gold in the marathon on the final day of the 2012 Olympic Games in London; the Ugandan flag flew high again at the 2013 World Championships in Athletics in Moscow. The Ugandan flag is one of the important national symbols, with unfathomable value and importance. The concept of such outward symbols is undeniably entrenched into human beings to the extent that any successful business today must invest in branding with consistent symbols and styles. These are not new inventions – God created us with a sacramental sense, a thing for symbols that touches the heart deeply.
Therefore, it is not enough to believe in your heart; a public confession and a symbolic use of water on the confessor are both necessary. John the Baptist used this sacrament for those who repented and turned from their sins in response to his preaching. Then Jesus came to be baptized, and John was in shock! Clearly, righteous people like Jesus who had nothing to repent of did not need Baptism. However, in submitting to that baptism, Jesus formally identified Himself with the expectation of the kingdom and with its ethical demands; He separated Himself from the evil of His nation, doubtless with confession of its sins; and devoted Himself to His life-task in bringing in the Messianic salvation. While still praying, He received a confirmatory divine visitation from heaven (Matt 3:13-17).
Baptism is a mark of Identity. Are you baptized? This is not a simple question that you just give a quick yes or no; it is a question of your identity seriously – if you are baptized, is the regeneration and belonging to Christ that comes with baptism reflected in your life? Everyone who recognizes tha gracious hand of God in salvation desires to honour the Lord with his entire life. As we seek to know more of Jesus, we also seek to know more of ourselves in Christ Jesus: let us grow our understanding of and faithfulness to our baptism, as well as that of those under our care.
God bless you and have a Blessed New Year!