The unedited highlights - 4 July 2011 |
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I’ve previously posted the introduction to the baptism liturgy we use at Emmanuel. However, a friend recently asked for the whole thing. Here it is…
Introduction
The Bible teaches that all who follow Christ must repent of their sins, trust in him and be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Jesus himself commanded, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you’ (Matthew 28:18–20). The apostle Peter said, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins’ (Acts 2:38).
God promises great blessings to everyone who follows Jesus. Our sins are forgiven, our consciences are cleansed and we are counted righteous in God’s sight. We die to sin and are raised to new life, and we are seated with Christ in the heavenly places where we share in his rule over all creation. We are adopted into God’s family, the church, and by faith we feed on Christ’s precious body and blood. We are indwelled by the Holy Spirit, by whom we are united to Christ and equipped to live in a way that pleases him as we look forward to the glorious inheritance we shall enjoy with him when he returns.
In baptism God welcomes us formally into his people, among whom we enjoy all these blessings. Baptism is a sign and seal of God’s covenant—his solemn commitment to save his people. Accordingly, the Bible associates baptism with such covenant blessings as being united with Christ in his death and resurrection, receiving the forgiveness of sins and the life-giving Holy Spirit, and moving from death to life (e.g. Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1–6; Colossians 2:12). Baptism says that ____ belongs to Jesus and is blessed by him.
These blessings are not received without faith. So today we pray that ____’s faith would become stronger and his repentance deeper as he grows towards maturity in Christ, and that God would equip him day by day to remain faithful as a servant of Christ.
Questions to ____
Having heard God’s gracious promises to us in Christ, ____, do you desire to be baptized?
I do.
____, you have confessed your sins before almighty God and professed faith in Christ in the words of the creed. However, in order that you may have the privilege of declaring publicly your faith in Christ, in order that all of us gathered here may hear and be assured of your commitment to Christ, and in order that your public profession may strengthen your resolve to live for Christ, I ask you these questions before God and before this congregation:
Do you believe and trust in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?
I believe and trust in him.
Do you believe and trust in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who died for the sins of the world, rose to life on the third day, and will return to judge the living and the dead?
I believe and trust in him.
Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit, who gives life to the people of God?
I believe and trust in him.
Do you turn to Christ?
I turn to Christ.
Do you repent of your sins?
I repent of my sins.
Do you renounce evil?
I renounce evil.
Question to the congregation
As family and friends, will you seek to support ____ and to be an encouragement and example to him in the ways of Christ?
We will.
The baptism
____, I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayers and exhortations
May the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Amen!
____, do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified. Fight valiantly as a disciple of Christ against sin, the world and the devil, and remain faithful to him to the end of your life. May almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness, restore in you the image of his glory, and lead you in the light and obedience of Christ. Amen!
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Posted by Steve Jeffery · Topics: Minister's Blog