Baptismal Gifts
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“For by grace you have been saved through faith,…[it is] not the result of works, so that no one may boast.”
At the session and staff meetings this week, I read a small portion of the small booklet, Living Water, by James E. Davison. Davison provides a guide to baptism for Presbyterians. Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of performing the baptism for Eloise Schultz. I love Aaron, Jennifer, and Cecilia and couldn’t wait to baptize Eloise. The joy of celebrating the baptism with the Schultz family and Jennifer’s parents made me reflect on what God was doing in Eloise’s new life. We do so many baptisms each year, they almost become commonplace, which is not what God intended.
God intended baptism to be a life-changing moment for the recipient and all who are present. While we call baptism a sacrament, what real difference does it make? First, no one decides to get baptized, not the individual or the parents. Even if you are baptized as an adult, you didn’t make the decision. God called you to the font, using your parents, or guiding you once you were older. Second, being baptized is a celebratory act of recognition that God knows us and names us with a covenantal promise. You are important enough to be known and loved by God.
Third, and even more importantly, you did not earn God’s baptismal calling. Instead, like just about every other blessing in this life, baptism is a free gift from God. Davison tells us, “Receiving baptism is a supremely telling symbol of God’s grace and redemption.” Just like the gift of grace, salvation is a gift as well. Baptism is a symbol of the gift of salvation which is ours through God’s grace as well. The free and loving gifts of baptism and salvation from God are the foundation of the Christian faith.
Today, those of you who were baptized as adults reflect on your baptismal day. If you, like me, were baptized as an infant, see if you still have a picture of the event. Reflect on who was present that day. Get photographs of your children or grandchildren’s baptisms and share the stories of their baptismal days. Then, give thanks to the God who blessed you and yours with grace and the promise of salvation. Even in your worst moments, God continues to bless you with grace and salvation. Never forget, God’s baptismal callings are always fulfilled.
