Signed and sealed

The official asked Philip, ‘Tell me, of whom is the prophet saying this? Of himself or of someone else?’ Then Philip began to speak; starting from this passage of scripture, he told him the Good News about Jesus. As they travelled down the road, they came to a place where there was some water, and the official said, ‘Here is some water. What is to keep me from being baptised?’ (verses 34-36)

Read Acts 8:26-40

When you get married you usually wear a ring. When you buy a house you get the title deeds. When you pay admission you get a ticket. When you purchase a flight on a plane you get a boarding pass. When you obtain permission to travel overseas you get a passport. And when you become a Christian you get baptised.

We like to have some physical evidence to assure ourselves and to show others that we actually possess something we lay claim to. It was like that for the Ethiopian official who heard from Philip the good news of how Jesus had died for his sins. Faith and forgiveness were automatically his as a free gift, but he wanted it signed and sealed. Baptism was instituted by Jesus himself to provide his followers with such assurance. He promised that through it his Spirit would work saving faith. As well, it would signify God’s seal of approval on the recipient once and for all.

Dear God, thank you for the gift of baptism, which assures me that membership of your family has been signed and sealed for me. Amen.

by Richard Hauser, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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