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Thinking about.. Baptism

Holy Trinity.

Henley-on-Thames

Vicar: Rev Duncan Carter
Vicarage, 16 Church St, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 1SE ((574822)

Licensed Lay Minister: Michael Forsdike

Churchwarden: Barbara Williams

"I baptise you in the name
of the Father and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit..."

You're interested in baptism.

Perhaps you have a baby whom you would like to bring to be baptised. Perhaps you yourself were not baptised as a youngster, and you are considering baptism for yourself. Either way, it is worth taking a little time to consider the meaning of it.

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

We baptise in obedience to Christ's command: 'Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.' Baptism itself does not confer faith but is better thought of as an outward sign which indicates inner faith.

Baptism stands for FORGIVENESS.

It is symbolic washing with water - a spiritual cleansing. No-one is perfect, we all need to be made clean by God. That is what the death of Jesus is about. He died on the cross to pay the penalty for human sin. The apostle Peter tell us that Jesus 'bore out sins' on the cross.

By being baptised, we declare our belief in:

God's Love,
the reality of our sin which separates us from God,
the death of Jesus as God's solution to the problem of sin,
the forgiveness and promise of new life which we are offered through Christ's death.

The act of baptism indicates a desire to be forgiven by God and to be admitted into his family.

Baptism stands for NEW BIRTH

Baptism symbolises a new start. Coming up out of the water is symbolic of rising from death - drowing - to a new life with God's Spirit living within us. That life begins when we ask Jesus to forgive us and come into out lives. When we do that, he will start to change us.

Baptism starts a NEW WAY OF LIFE.

Baptism makes the point of entry into God's family, and so is best thought of as the beginning of a process. Being a disciple of Christ is a way of life, beginning when we admit our need for him, and allow him to be the one who guides and directs us. We can never say the process is complete. Discipleship is a way of life, not a one-off event. It is essential that the promises made at baptism are taken seriously and become the foundation for future life-style.

WHEN SHOULD BAPTISM TAKE PLACE?

There is no simple answer to give. In the Church of England it is customary to baptise infants, symolising the free gift of God's unconditional love.
Of course, a baby or young child doesn't understand the meaning of baptism. It must be our hope and prayer that, as the child grows, he will come to understand for himself the Christian faith, and make his own commitment to Christ. Baptism is not a magic formula which automatically make a person a Christian. Baptism is the outward sign of inner intentions.

Some people prefer to delay baptism until the individual is old enough to understand the meaning of it. If that is the case, it should normally follow from a profession of faith. The baptism of a baby only make sense if the child's parents and godparents are prepared to work seriously to bring the child to faith in Christ, through their own prayers, example and teaching. They make very solemn promises in the baptism service, as well as making a public declaration of their own faith.

Baptism involves solemn promises which should never be taken lightly. They are made, not just to your family or priest, but to God, to whom we will all be answerable. If you are not sure whether you can, in all honesty, make these promises, perhaps you should consider delaying baptism until you have thought more fully about your faith.

You must affirm your allegiance to Christ are your rejection of all that is evil.

Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
I reject them.
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
I renounce them.
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
I repent of them.

Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I turn to Christ.
Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
I submit to Christ.
Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
I come to Christ.

You must also declare before God and his church the Christian faith into which you are baptised and in which you will continue to live and grow. The congregation join you in making a profession of faith.

What are the alternatives to Baptism?

The ultimate decision concerning your child's baptism is yours. Parents and godparents must cetianly be baptised themselves, and, preferably, confirmed. If you do not feel ready to make these promises at the moment, there are several options

Delay baptism until you have received further preparation.
Delay baptism until your child is old enough to understand for himself. A child will receive no impediment by being baptised at a later date.
Hold a service of Thanksgiving. This is a simple ceremony in which you bring your child to church to give thanks for the gift of a new life, safe delivery, and ask for God's blessing on your child, but no promises are made by parents. Such a service may quite normally precede a baptism.

And finally.....

If you are old enough to be reading this page yourself and would like to consider baptism, talk to your minister, who will be pleased to help you. Your baptism is one of the most important events in your life.
Thank you for reading this page.

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