Baptism: “Called and Beloved In Christ “

“Called and Beloved” - Rev. Nader Hanna

Who is Jesus and what does that mean for me?

Introduction:

Let’s linger, playfully and thoughtfully over two baptisms.

First, the identity revealed in Jesus’ baptism in the Gospel.

Then the identity of our baptism in the reading from Romans 6.

Jesus’ Baptism - His Identity Revealed:

At Jesus’ baptism, the Father names Him.

After centuries of waiting and prophetic silence, God speaks again, and He says:

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

With those words, the Father reveals Jesus’ identity — not just to John, not just to Israel, but to heaven and earth, to all creation, seen and unseen.

And what God says reshapes reality.

The Father names Christ His Son —
and in Christ, He names you.

The Father announces a new way for humanity — a way of rescue, salvation, restoration, adoption, and eternal reunion with Him. And that way has a name.
His name is Jesus.
The One who later says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

Our Baptism — Our Identity Given:

In baptism, we identify with Christ.

You know Paul uses the phrase “in Christ” and its variations more than 130 times.
That’s not accidental language — it’s identity language.

You are baptized into Christ, and therefore you are in Christ.

Peter tells us baptism is not mere washing.
Baptism joins you to Christ’s story.

His death becomes your death.
His life becomes your life.

Baptism is not just symbolism — it is participation.

Jesus says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.”

Through faith and baptism, you receive a new identity.
You no longer belong to Adam — the old, fallen, disobedient, separated-from-God humanity.

I hate to break the bad news —
actually, I love breaking it —
that old you is dead.