WHO can be baptised?
WHAT happens when someone is baptised.
WHERE should they be baptised
WHEN should someone be baptised (enter the argument on Child baptism!)
HOW are they baptised?
WHY is the question that sometimes leaves folk stumbling…after all the thief on the cross was promised entrance into paradise that very day, and he clearly was not either immersed or even sprinkled!
It seems to me that Baptism is just a wonderful out pouring of God’s grace. God inviting us, God welcoming us into his family…As always it is God’s action not ours…and God offers us the universe. What is needed from our side? To repent, that is to accept Christ’s agenda, delight in Him as our Lord. Anything else? Yes, to trust Him.
Canon Michael Green a delightful evangelical member of the Church of England who spoke at last winter’s AMiA conference describes baptism as God handing over to us the deeds to a mansion. What we do with them at any given time is up to us. Some never set foot in the mansion. Others only go into the front room, rather than enjoying the riches available in other parts of the house. Some only accept the invitation very late in life, others occupy it from early on.
A question then for those reading this who are already baptised. Have you really accepted the gift that God has made available to you yet? Have you taken possession of the mansion, or are you still sitting on the fence surrounding it? Think about that, and, as you welcome William into the Church family on Sunday, and ask the Lord to help you take the next step and truly claim Him as your Lord.
Christopher+
