Baptism: The Undiluted Understanding
By Pastor Oladipupo Olowosulu, August 21, 2021
Baptism is a sacred sacrament that offers a comprehensive cleansing of sins, encompassing both Original Sin and personal sins. Through Baptism, the temporal punishment due to sin is removed, and the individual is reborn in Christ. This rebirth opens the door to God’s Kingdom, with no obstacles hindering entry.
However, the effects of Original Sin linger, manifesting as concupiscence – an inclination to sin. This inclination is characterized by a darkening of the mind and a weakening of the will, leading to uncertainty in discerning right from wrong and struggling to resist temptation.
Fortunately, the effects of Original Sin can be overcome by seeking strength through faith in Christ’s finished work on the Calvary Cross, accompanied by acts of prayer, deepening spirituality, growth in virtue, and wholehearted dependence on God.
Baptism bestows new life as adopted children of God, making us sharers of divine life and temples of the Holy Spirit. We are made righteous by God, living in a state of grace, united with Him through His gracious initiative. Our permanence in this state is called sanctifying grace, as God sanctifies us, making us His holy people.
God continues to assist us through actual graces, enabling us to live and act under the guidance of spiritual gifts given by Jesus. This facilitates maturity in goodness through the practice of virtues, godly character, faith towards God, and hope in Christ’s return.
Through Baptism, we become members of the Church, the Body of Christ, sharing in His priesthood, prophetic, and royal mission. We enjoy community, share talents and gifts, respond to teachings and requirements, and assume responsibilities inherent in our membership.
Baptism provides a common foundation among all Christians, recognized by the Church through the canonicity of scriptures. Those baptized have been saved by their faith in Christ and the grace of Baptism, earning the right to be called Christians and accepted as brothers and sisters.
Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, the person baptized is configured to Christ, bearing the indelible spiritual mark (character) of belonging to Him. This mark, also called a character, permanently seals the Christian, ensuring they bear the image of Christ and can bear the fruits of salvation.
This spiritual mark is a permanent seal, indicating our belonging to Christ. Nothing can prevent a Christian from bearing the fruits of salvation, as Baptism marks us permanently as belonging to Christ, whose image we bear.
In conclusion, Baptism is a powerful sacrament that offers a comprehensive cleansing of sins, rebirth in Christ, and new life as adopted children of God. It provides a common foundation among all Christians, making us members of the Church, the Body of Christ. Through Baptism, we are configured to Christ, bearing the indelible spiritual mark of belonging to Him.
As we journey through life, let us remember the significance of our Baptism and the permanent mark it leaves on our lives. May we continue to seek strength through faith, prayer, and dependence on God, overcoming the effects of Original Sin and bearing the fruits of salvation.
Baptism is not just a ritual, but a transformative experience that changes our lives forever. It is a declaration of our faith in Christ and our commitment to following Him. As we live out our lives, may we remain true to the promises made at our Baptism, and may our lives be a testament to the power of Christ’s love and redemption.
In the words of 1 Peter 3:21, “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” May our Baptism be a constant reminder of God’s love and grace, and may we always strive to live a life worthy of our calling as children of God.
