On January, 19, the Orthodox Church celebrated Epiphany - one of the major Christian holidays, which ends the 7th to 19th of January Christmastide.
Baptism (from Greek βάπτιση means "immersion in water") - one of the most important Christian sacraments; it is confessed by all Christian denominations. The act of water baptism symbolizes a promise of good conscience, of a heart wholly dedicated to God; a confirmation of the decision to live up to God and wend one’s way through life, carrying out God’s commandments. By immersion into water (a symbol of immersion in water) man leaves his old, sinful nature and is born to a righteous life when getting out of the water (a symbol of the emergence out of the water). And the power of God, God’s grace descends to the new man:
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:16-17
Jesus Christ showed us an example of water baptism. And today every Christian performs the mystery of baptism.
The Bible says that today is the day of salvation! Today means today, in spite of the date on the calendar. Therefore, as each person can receive Jesus Christ’s saving sacrifice and God’s protection, His leadership, the same ceremony of baptism is valid at all times.
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:5
Such contact with God is necessary for a man, because then the Lord God sends His grace to man and begins to help him in his life. In other words He makes his life and health better, takes care of the fulfillment of his good intentions, protects against evil forces and helps live righteously. Such a person goes through life with God’s help and support; and therefore, finds true happiness. Therein lies the strength and sense of the ceremony of baptism, which signifies that a person departs from evil and sin and from that point on lives with God.
May the true understanding of the Baptism of Christ come to every citizen of Ukraine!
May everyone make a firm decision not only to perform the ceremony of water immersion, but realize their sins and repent of them, and become a new man - a man, whom God will use for His glory, for the welfare and prosperity of Ukraine!
With prayers and love of God,
Pastor of Embassy of God Church
Sunday and Bose Adelaja
Happy Epiphany!
