Indissoluble - February 17

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 105:1-22; PM Psalm 105:23-45; Gen. 32:3-21; 1 John 2:18-29; John 10:19-30

“No one will snatch them out of my hand.” – John 10:28

One of the historical debates of the Christian faith is around justification.  Justification is the term for God’s righteous act of salvation.  The reformation defined this moment by saying grace alone was received through faith and nothing else.  The Epistle of James is one of the few instances of Scripture that points otherwise suggesting that good works must be evident as well, but this has not been the prevalent theology of the Church since the Reformation. 

I saw the conversation lived out this week on a message board and then began reflecting on the theology of the Episcopal Church.  I’ve been wondering if our theology is actually different than the majority of the Christian faith.  On page 298 of the Book of Common Prayer, in the section concerning Baptism, the theology is explained: “The bond which God establishes in Baptism
is indissoluble.”

It's worth reflecting on this statement because it is a fundamental shift in our theology to make Baptism the single most important event in the life of a Christian.   Baptism completely changes our identity to be a person and it changes it permanently.  Oddly, I think this actually gives more power to God because there is nothing we can do, not our belief, or lack of it, or our actions can change what God has done in us in Christ Jesus.  Which is all the more reason we ought to allow that love and grace to transform our lives as followers of Jesus. 

Jesus says in the Gospel of John, “No one will snatch them out of my hand.”  He is saying that you and I are his forever and nothing can change that.  Thanks be to God!

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection:  If you believe this premise about Baptism, then for you, what is the role of faith in your life?  How can this Good News make a difference in your daily life and faith?

Daily Challenge:  Read through the Baptism Service in the Book of Common Prayer.   Do you remember your baptism or the baptisms of people you love?  How did those moments shape your life?