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Christ the King Episcopal Church
Lakeland, Florida
BAPTISMAL COVENANT
"Let us join with those who are committing
themselves to Christ
and renew our own
baptismal covenant."
(Book of Common Prayer)
The Baptismal Covenant is regarded widely as "the normative statement of what it means to follow Christ” in The Episcopal Church (DS Armentrout and RB Slocum, An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, 37). The first three questions, patterned on the Apostles’ Creed, are a reiteration of the ancient creed in a Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a renewal of the commitment to the community of believers across time and space (ie. the Church) and a declaration of God's love present in forgiveness and resurrection.
After the reaffirmation of our faith, the Baptismal Covenant then asks us to make five promises of living in such a way as to reflect God's dream for humanity.
THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT
Celebrant
People
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Celebrant
People
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Celebrant
People
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Celebrant
People
Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
I will, with God's help.
Celebrant
People
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
I will, with God's help.
Celebrant
People
Celebrant
People
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
I will, with God's help.
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
I will, with God's help.
Celebrant
People
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
I will, with God's help.
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