Bishop Eric Menees
As we continue our examination of the Service of Baptism in
the 2019 BCP today, we look at the Profession of Faith. Following the
exhortation to the godparents and sponsoring parents, the next step is the
Profession of Faith. The format follows the ancient three-fold renunciations
and the three-fold confessions. This morning I would like to look at the
three-fold renunciations.
First, the rubric makes it clear that in the case of a
child, the godparents and parents make the renunciations on behalf of the child,
BUT speaking for themselves. This is another reason why it is so important that
we choose godparents who are believers and can with a clean heart make such
bold statements.
1. Question Do you renounce the devil and
all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?
Answer I renounce them.
The Devil is real! The devil is neither some mythic figure
who never existed nor an evil god who is simply the opposite of God. No, the
Devil is an archangel fallen from grace and mentioned by the prophet Isaiah in
14:12 and Jesus in Luke 10:18. The Devil is the father and master of lies and
manipulation, BUT neither he, nor his demons, nor any other fallen angels have
power or authority over you as long as you don’t invite him into your life. The
devil and other demonic forces are invited into our lives when we look to
life’s answers outside of God – putting faith in horoscopes, playing Ouija, or
dabbling in the occult. Without that invitation, the devil only has the power
to tempt.
2. Question Do you renounce the empty
promises and deadly deceits of this world that corrupt and destroy the
creatures of God?
Answer I renounce them.
These are the promises and deceits that the devil promotes
in the world, that you need power, fame, and wealth for happiness. The attitude
that “if it feels good, do it” hurts others and will eventually hurt you.
3. Question Do you renounce the sinful
desires of the flesh that draw you from the love of God?
Answer I renounce them.
Our own fallen nature and our personal sins need to be
renounced before we are able to truly confess Jesus as Lord! Our selfish
desires lead us away from God and direct us to rely only on ourselves. That may
last for a while but it will never truly be satisfying or of any ultimate value.
Following the renunciations, the priest or bishop is given
the option of anointing the candidate with the Oil of Exorcism and praying a
prayer of exorcism and protection. This is beneficial if the person is
possessed, but more likely it’s done as a spiritual hedge of protection from
spiritual and demonic attacks.
C.S. Lewis was correct when he wrote in the preface of his
book – The Screwtape Letters: “There are two equal and opposite errors into
which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their
existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy
interest in them.”
I pray you all a blessed week!
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