Orthodox Sermons & Articles

The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ is a significant feast day because it brings to us a revelation of God’s mystery about Himself. Until Christ’s Baptism, people did not know about Triune God: The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit, One in essence and undivided. When Jesus came out of the water of Jordan, "suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying ‘This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased’" (Matt. 3:17). This was preceded by the descent of the Holy Spirit in a vision of a dove. It was as though the Holy Spirit pointed out the One (Jesus) that the Father was witnessing by voice. Therefore, there could be no mistake about who the Son of God was. The Father’s words made it clear to all the spectators that Jesus as His Son also bears His Divine nature. The Church teaches that divine and human natures were joined in Christ in a way we cannot comprehend. We can only gaze at this mystery.

Why did Jesus go to John to be baptized? It is obvious that as the Son of God, He had no need for purification from sins. Baptism is needed for us who sin daily and cannot find the way back to God on our own. St. Gregory of Nyssa once gave the answer to this question. He wrote, "Jesus enters the filthy [sinful] waters of the world and when He comes out, brings up [purifies] the entire world with Him." St. Gregory of Nyssa describes Jesus’ Baptism as an act of purifying of water that was unclean with the filth of our sins. This is why we bless waters on Epiphany day and on the eve of Epiphany. This water has an extraordinary power to purify and deliver blessings to people as well as to different objects we use in church or at home. Therefore, we can call Christ’s Baptism an act of purification of the world.

Nevertheless, the baptism of Christ and our purification was not enough to save mankind from eternal death. Jesus had to descend into Hades Himself in order to conquer death and to set us free. Baptism is a sign of death with Christ and new birth in Him. Every person who is baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity dies to the life of slavery to sin and is born again to a new life of righteousness with the Lord. Baptism is a gateway into Christ’s New and Regenerated World that is called His Kingdom. This is why we can experience the Heavenly Kingdom on earth (Luke 17:21).

Today, I would like to draw your attention, dear brothers and sisters, to the Letter of St. Paul the Apostle to his disciple Titus. He wrote, "The grace of God that brings salvation appeared to all men"(Tit. 2:11). This is a strong statement against those who taught that Messiah would come to save only Israeli people. Christ the Savior came on earth to liberate everyone; however not everyone will accept this liberation. Only those who want to be liberated or saved will be liberated. Moreover, this co-operation with Christ requires our work, as well. St. Paul sums up the teaching of the Lord about the possibility of our salvation through "denying ungodliness and worldly lusts … [living] soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Tit. 2:12-13). This verse illustrates the Feast of Epiphany very clearly. Indeed, by "denying ungodliness and worldly lusts" we die within our sinful lives and resurrect through Baptism in Christ for a new life living it "soberly, righteously, and godly". This process of spiritual rebirth or transformation is great because we receive Christ Himself into our hearts and He becomes the Ruler of our will.

However, we should always remember that the truly magnificent condition we find ourselves in after baptism is not due to our excellence nor our virtue because we can do nothing without God. St. Paul has explained today the real reason of the possibility for our salvation. He wrote that "not by work of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit" (Tit. 3:5). Therefore, we have nothing to boast of, as salvation is a result of "His mercy" not of our excellence. This truly humbles us in the light of God’s unique grace bestowed upon us through Jesus Christ. Recognition of God’s abundant mercy on mankind serves as a starting point for our salvation. It is followed by our rebirth in Baptism and life according to Jesus’ commandments. Therefore, just as Jesus Christ’s Baptism was a turning point for mankind, our baptism is a turning point for each of us, as we are now able to work for the glory of God.

Let us lead our life in accordance to the Lord’s teaching and providence. For those of us who have not yet started to live a new life in Jesus Christ, let us wake up from the sleep of indifference and work with Christ for our salvation. As St. Paul reminds us today, "that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Tit. 3:7). Let us then empower our will with the promise of co-inheritance with Jesus Christ. Let us strive to make our Baptism work for our salvation and not condemnation, which can fall upon us unexpectedly because of our inadequacy and indifference. May the grace of God that has appeared to all men teach us to lead our lives in accordance to our faith and high calling. Amen.