October 9, 2019

The high point of the Baptism Liturgy in our BCP is the moment when the minister dips his or her thumb in oil, makes the sign of the cross on the candidate’s forehead and says “You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever.” There is particular poignancy in this moment when the baptismal candidate is an infant. As the child grows – and perhaps wanders – parents who can recall that claim will find it to be a source of help and promise.

In 1757, a young pastor named Robert Robinson wrote the hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” It is still a perennial favorite because it is true to life and brimming with grace. “Jesus sought me when a stranger wandering from the fold of God; He, to rescue me from danger, interposed His precious blood.” (Grace)  And, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.”  (True to life)

You are sealed.  St. Paul tells us this in Ephesians 1:13. “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” So, friends, you are Christ’s own forever. Signed, sealed, delivered, Lord – I’m yours.

“Almighty God, by our baptism into the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ, you turn us from the old life of sin: Grant that we, being reborn to new life in him, may live in righteousness and holiness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.”  (At Baptism – BCP p. 254)