(P)Unfortunately...
Illustration
(P)
Unfortunately, we have fallen into the habit in many parts of the church of referring to a baptism as a "christening" or naming. This is quite far from the whole meaning of baptism. While the giving of a new name was at one time a part of the baptismal ritual, it was never the most important part and is certainly not a part of modern western life when persons receive their names, Christian or otherwise, at birth But, having given this caution, there is a sense in which a new name is given at baptism. Whether an infant or adult, the person baptized answers from that moment to the name Christian. No other loyalty comes before this, and being a Christian should be the baptized person's most distinctive characteristic.
Paul learned this lesson at Joppa, having it revealed to him that if persons are willing to lay claim on the name of Christian, no previous label, such as gentile, should disqualify them from doing so. Being a Jew is no longer a distinguishing mark of the Christian, and therefore need not be required of any who profess the faith. We need to learn this lesson also -- though hopefully we do not need visions of sheets lowered from heaven to learn it. If persons elect to become Christians, no previous label must be allowed to remain attached to their name. Not American or German, drunk or teetotaler, crackpot or genius, bum or millionaire, thief or magistrate. They must be proclaimed as fellow Christians only.
-- Shearburn
Unfortunately, we have fallen into the habit in many parts of the church of referring to a baptism as a "christening" or naming. This is quite far from the whole meaning of baptism. While the giving of a new name was at one time a part of the baptismal ritual, it was never the most important part and is certainly not a part of modern western life when persons receive their names, Christian or otherwise, at birth But, having given this caution, there is a sense in which a new name is given at baptism. Whether an infant or adult, the person baptized answers from that moment to the name Christian. No other loyalty comes before this, and being a Christian should be the baptized person's most distinctive characteristic.
Paul learned this lesson at Joppa, having it revealed to him that if persons are willing to lay claim on the name of Christian, no previous label, such as gentile, should disqualify them from doing so. Being a Jew is no longer a distinguishing mark of the Christian, and therefore need not be required of any who profess the faith. We need to learn this lesson also -- though hopefully we do not need visions of sheets lowered from heaven to learn it. If persons elect to become Christians, no previous label must be allowed to remain attached to their name. Not American or German, drunk or teetotaler, crackpot or genius, bum or millionaire, thief or magistrate. They must be proclaimed as fellow Christians only.
-- Shearburn
