A Sincere Request: Before proceeding, please review my previous articles, listed in order, for context. If you've already read them, please continue.

Sacrament and a Church:

John the Baptist administered the sacred sacraments of 'Baptism of Water' and 'Baptism of Repentance' to unite people with God. Notably, the 'Baptism of Water' cleanses individuals from ancestral sins, while the 'Baptism of Repentance' is a sacrament of repentance and confession, relieving individuals from personal sins.

If a church fails to administer both these sacred rituals, or only administers one, what is the benefit of its existence? Who benefits, and to what extent? Did John the Baptist not administer both these holy sacraments by the Jordan River, symbolizing his Church?

Jesus Demonstrates Sacraments:

These two sacred sacraments continually guide and propel individuals from impurity to purity, sin to virtue, and unrighteousness to righteousness.

As exemplified by Jesus, who was born holy, as the angel declared to Mary: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:35, NIV) And never committed to evil.

Yet, Jesus' reception of the 'Baptism of Water' from John the Baptist demonstrates the importance of both sacred rituals for humanity. By doing so, He set an exemplary model of righteousness, saying: "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness." (Matthew 3:15, NIV)

‘Baptism of Repentance’ Complements ‘Baptism of Water’:

Jesus declares the sacrament an effective sacred means to transform human life from a winding, crooked path to one of truth, holiness, virtue, righteousness, and purity. This transformation involves:

- Moving away from untruth to truth
- Embracing holiness by renouncing unholiness
- Adopting virtue by renouncing sin
- Embracing righteousness by renouncing unrighteousness

Thus, the 'Baptism of Water' is not merely a ritual of conversion but a transformative process that redirects humanity from:

- Sin, evil, untruth, unrighteousness, and impurity
- To virtue, good, truth, righteousness, and purity

The 'Baptism of Water' is complemented by the sacrament of repentance and confession, the 'Baptism of Repentance'. This sacrament serves as:

- A sacred ritual to redirect slipping feet to the straight path of truth from the wide and winding path of falsehood
- A sacred ritual to reclaim righteousness from unrighteousness
- A sacred ritual to restore holiness from unholiness
- A sacred ritual to revive purity from impurity
- A sacred ritual to rejuvenate virtue from sin

Not-Unrighteousness is Religion: The Sacramental Journey

Can any parent desire their child to live an unrighteous life? Perhaps some parents, driven by worldly ambitions, might prioritize material success over righteousness. However, God, our heavenly Father, who created us in His image and likeness, never wishes for anyone to stray from righteousness. He desires everyone to walk the straight path of truth, holiness, purity, and righteousness, as He embodies righteousness.

Therefore, the sacraments of repentance and confession, 'Baptism of Water' and 'Baptism of Repentance', are not processes of conversion but transformative journeys from unrighteousness to righteousness. For Not-Unrighteousness is Religion, while Unrighteousness cannot be, as it is recorded in the scripture:

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48, NIV)

A Pledge to the Righteous Path:

The sacrament of ‘Baptism of Water’ and ‘Baptism of Repentance’ is not a process of conversion. However, it is a pledge to follow the righteous path. We who administer and receive the ‘Baptism of Water’ must heartfeltly ask ourselves: Are we progressing on the path of righteousness, as our heavenly Father embodies righteousness?

Both ‘Baptism of Water’ and ‘Baptism of Repentance’ are holy sacraments to achieve absolute holiness. They do not convert; instead, they guide us onto the right path, as Scripture instructs: "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48, NIV)

Therefore, ‘Baptism of Water’ and ‘Baptism of Repentance’ are not sacraments tying us within the physical church of materials, but rather tying us to God, as Jesus’ prayer for oneness records: "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:20-21, NIV)

To be Continued…..

==> Stay tuned for our next article, where we'll uncover how 'Baptism: A Holy Transition from Unrighteousness to Righteous Living' that transforms our faith journey.

Amen!

Praise be to God, Thanks be to God.

Not being Unrighteous is Religion!!

Jharkhand! Peace be upon you!!

India! Peace be upon you!!

Peace to the whole world!!