46고전 11; 23-24 성례와 세례의 의미와 목적

[1 Corinthians] 11:23-24: "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.'"

As a pastor in a church, there are rituals we practice as a result of our faith in God. These rituals are known as sacraments, which include baptism and communion. Baptism is a ceremony where we publicly declare our faith in Jesus and have water sprinkled on our heads. Communion is a ceremony where those who have been baptized partake in eating bread and drinking wine or grape juice. These sacraments are sacred rituals through which we remember and commemorate Jesus. Baptism symbolizes the cleansing of sins, and communion represents receiving the body and blood of Jesus into our hearts. These practices are supported by biblical evidence, particularly in verses 23 and 24.
In these verses, Jesus instructs his followers to remember him through the sacraments of communion. The purpose of these sacraments is to keep Jesus in our thoughts and hearts. Baptism helps those who previously did not remember Jesus to start thinking about him, while those who already remembered him are reminded even more strongly through the act of communion.

In our daily lives, we have national holidays to commemorate significant events or meanings. We set aside specific days to remember and reflect upon their significance. Similarly, through the sacraments, we remember the meaning of Jesus' salvation. We express gratitude for his sacrifice on the cross and strive to follow him in our lives.

To participate in these sacraments, one must receive baptism. Imagine someone who has not been baptized partaking in the bread and wine. It would be meaningless to them because they do not understand its significance. They would not regard the communion ceremony as important. Therefore, communion is permitted for those who have received baptism. Then, what is the meaning behind baptism, which qualifies individuals to participate in communion?

Baptism signifies "cleansing from sin." It is the outward sign of being cleansed from sin. The meaning of baptism is well illustrated in Acts 2:38:
"[Acts] 2:38: Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

When people accepted the proclamation of the Gospel and believed in Jesus, they were immediately baptized in the name of Jesus. This baptism was a public declaration of their faith and marked the transformed lives of followers of Jesus. During that time, early Christians lived a life filled with the Holy Spirit as they believed. Through such a life, they began their journey of cleansing from sin and pursuing righteousness as Christians.

When we enter a school, we receive a student ID card, which allows us to perform necessary tasks within the school. When we start a job, we receive an employee ID card, enabling us to carry out essential responsibilities within the company. Similarly, baptism represents the ability to engage in new actions within a transformed life of faith. It involves repentance from the past and hope for the future. In this hope, we receive an abundance of God's grace. As we anticipate such a gift, our faith becomes even stronger.

I encourage each one of you to participate in these sacraments and embrace the life of a follower of Christ. I pray that through your involvement in church life, you will grow into mature Christians.