As we confess in the Nicene Creed, "we believe in one baptism for the remission of sins." This fundamental aspect of our faith is rooted in the teachings of the apostles, who preached that baptism is essential for salvation (Acts 2:38, 22:16). The Coptic Church affirms that baptism is not just a symbolic ritual, but a sacrament that imparts spiritual life and cleansing from sin.
The Meaning of Baptism
St. Paul writes, "we are buried with Christ by baptism into death" (Romans 6:4). This means that through baptism, we participate in Christ's death and resurrection, and are thereby freed from the power of sin and death. St. Cyril of Jerusalem explains, "baptism is the sacrament of regeneration, by which we are born again, and become temples of the Holy Spirit" (Catechetical Lectures, 16.16).
The Coptic Church administers baptism to both infants and adults, believing that baptism is necessary for salvation, and that it should not be delayed until a person is old enough to make a conscious decision. The apostle Peter writes, "baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God" (1 Peter 3:21).
The Effects of Baptism
Baptism has several effects on the person being baptized. Firstly, it remits original sin and all personal sins, restoring the person to a state of grace and communion with God. Secondly, it imparts the gift of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in the baptized person and guides them towards a life of holiness. Thirdly, it makes the person a member of the Church, the body of Christ, and a participant in the sacraments and worship of the Church.
St. Augustine writes, "baptism is the beginning of the Christian life, and the gate of the Church" (On Baptism, 4.24.31). Through baptism, we are born again, and become children of God, heirs of eternal life. The Lord Jesus Christ himself said, "unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5).
Living the New Life
After baptism, the person is called to live a new life in Christ, a life of holiness, obedience, and service to others. St. Paul writes, "if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his" (Romans 6:5). This means that we must strive to live a life that is worthy of our calling, a life that reflects the values and teachings of Christ.
Baptism is the foundation of our Christian faith, and the gateway to a life of holiness and communion with God. The words of St. Cyril of Jerusalem remind us, "baptism is the beginning of the Christian life, and the gate of the Church". May we always cherish and nurture the gift of baptism, and strive to live a life that is worthy of our calling as children of God.
St. Paul's words echo in our hearts, "we were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). May we walk in this newness of life, guided by the Holy Spirit, and may our lives be a testament to the power of baptism.
"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)