Sermon of the Glorious Feast of Theophany Liturgy

🌊 First: The Difference Between the Baptism of John and the Baptism of Christ

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the baptism of John was a baptism with water only, symbolizing washing and purification from sins through repentance. Water points to purity, as the Psalm says: “Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.” It was a call to cleanse the heart in preparation to receive the New Covenant that the Lord Christ would offer.

But the baptism of Christ is deeper and more complete. It is not merely an outward washing, but a real participation in the death and resurrection of Christ.

✝️ Baptism as Death and Resurrection with Christ

According to the teaching of the Apostle Paul, in baptism we are buried with Christ and rise with Him. Going down into the baptismal water symbolizes the death of the old man, and coming out of it symbolizes resurrection with Christ into a new life. Thus man is freed from the original sin and is born a new person clothed with the righteousness of Christ.

🩸 The Baptism of the Thief and the Baptism of Blood

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III responds to those who question the right-hand thief, explaining that he received the deepest form of baptism, as he truly died with Christ. He also explains the concept of the “baptism of blood” for the martyrs who were martyred before being baptized; their death with Christ was considered a true baptism, because the essence of baptism is dying with Christ and rising with Him.

🔥 Baptism of Water and the Spirit

The essential difference between the baptism of John and the baptism of the Church is that our baptism is with water and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit renews the person in baptism and grants him a second birth. Therefore baptism is called “the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,” as mentioned in the Epistle to Titus.

👑 The New Birth and Membership in the Church

In baptism, a person is born again, becomes a child of God, a member of the Church, and a participant in the blessings of redemption. He puts on Christ and lives a new life in righteousness and godliness. It is the beginning of the path of holiness, not merely an outward ritual.

🎉 A Call to Preserve the Grace of Baptism

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III concludes by reminding the faithful to always remember the blessings they received in baptism: the second birth, the death of the old man, renewal by the Holy Spirit, and membership in the Body of Christ. All these gifts we receive by the grace of divine redemption.

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