Baptism 1
The life of faith encompasses several events and moments that we journey through multiple times during the course of a lifetime. The devotion below, by Pastor Nate, is part of an ongoing series that explores these central themes of Christian doctrine.
“We don’t begin looking for proof. We start with the knowledge that we are claimed by God, and then, we seek to understand that which we trust.”
- adapted quote from St. Augustine of Hippo
Our baptism is the historic moment in our lives when we are claimed by God as God’s children. Our life of faith begins, not when we finally figure out what it means to believe in God, but rather with a claiming action by God. The logic of this statement should then underline all our future theology; all of our future understanding of God. It never begins with our efforts or works, but rather everything begins with a loving action from God.
As Christians we can us the internal logic of baptism as a lens for examining other aspects of our faith and theology. Are we ever telling ourselves that we need to be good enough in order to earn God’s love? Are we ever perpetuating beliefs that put an emphasis on our efforts over and above God’s actions? This type of thinking will never fit with the message we hear at our baptism: that God claims us first.
The life of faith encompasses several events and moments that we journey through multiple times during the course of a lifetime. The devotion below, by Pastor Nate, is part of an ongoing series that explores these central themes of Christian doctrine.
“We don’t begin looking for proof. We start with the knowledge that we are claimed by God, and then, we seek to understand that which we trust.”
- adapted quote from St. Augustine of Hippo
Our baptism is the historic moment in our lives when we are claimed by God as God’s children. Our life of faith begins, not when we finally figure out what it means to believe in God, but rather with a claiming action by God. The logic of this statement should then underline all our future theology; all of our future understanding of God. It never begins with our efforts or works, but rather everything begins with a loving action from God.
As Christians we can us the internal logic of baptism as a lens for examining other aspects of our faith and theology. Are we ever telling ourselves that we need to be good enough in order to earn God’s love? Are we ever perpetuating beliefs that put an emphasis on our efforts over and above God’s actions? This type of thinking will never fit with the message we hear at our baptism: that God claims us first.
Posted in Bible & Theology, Faith & Life
Posted in baptism, This We Believe, catechism, life of faith
Posted in baptism, This We Believe, catechism, life of faith
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