And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

Matthew 17:1-8 

The observation of the Transfiguration of our Lord comes on the eve of Lent. As we are about to enter a season in which the Lord is steadfastly making His way to the cross and we are invited to walk with Him in repentance and anticipation, we receive this remarkable glimpse of His glory.  

We need to be reminded that all of the Christian life is a life with Christ, in His presence, radiant with the light that comes from Christ, fulfilled by Christ Himself. There is no boundary between Christ, His light and glory, and our Christian lives. All of heaven’s glory exists wherever He is, even if it’s concealed in an image of humility.  

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 

Romans 6:4 

Baptism is the sacrament of salvation — baptism saves us by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21). Scripture describes this salvation in many ways - the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5); we are baptised into Christ’s death (Romans 6:3); we have put on (clothed ourselves with) Christ (Galatians 3:27); having been buried with Christ, and raised with him (Colossians 2:12); for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38); Jesus has called us out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9); we are crucified with him (Romans 6:6).   

Baptism brings faith. That is why it is the sacrament of salvation. Does this mean the unbaptised won’t be saved? Scripture doesn’t say so. Mark 16:16 is silent about those not baptised. It says unbelief leads to condemnation - ‘not the absence but the contempt of baptism condemns’. Those who are baptised are invited to live and enjoy their new life. In doing so they bear witness to the salvation which God offers to all through baptism.  

Baptism is received in faith. The benefits of baptism - ‘forgiveness of sins, life and salvation’ - are received through faith, through trust in the promise of God’s word. So yes, Christians do need to trust in baptism to receive its benefits. But this trust is not something believers need to achieve by themselves before their baptism begins to work for them. This faith, this trust, is one of the gifts of baptism. When pastors declare a man and a woman husband and wife the words spoken make them husband and wife. Similarly, in the baptismal rite the Holy Spirit, through the proclaiming of God’s word, creates the faith, or trust, that God promises through the power of his name.   

Oh sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvellous things!  
His right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.   
This Lord has made known his salvation;
he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. 
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel…  
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the people with equity.

Psalm 98:1-3a, 9b 

Christmas approaches with all the joy and expectation of the blessed arrival of a new born child. More than just a new chapter for the people of God, Jesus’ birth heralds in a whole new book. It is more than a sequel. Perhaps more like the key that unlocks the mystery, revealing the fullness of God’s salvation story fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Now the Old and New Testaments are read through Christian eyes which know the story of Christ dying on the cross to save us from our sins. In the person of Jesus, Psalm 98 is enacted, and we respond. “Oh, sing to the Lord a new song for he has done marvellous things!” Most of these psalms were written about 1,500 years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem!

The history of Israel is a story of continuous struggle against the Lord because of the sinful nature of humanity. The Israelites were constantly bickering amongst themselves from the time they were led out of Egyptian slavery. They complained about a lack of food, water, shelter and the danger from other nations. When they were settled in the Promised Land, they complained that other nations had kings and they didn’t. We hear this cycle of trying to do things by their power, but then realising that as God’s people, they need to keep turning back to him for real power and salvation. Once more God rescues his people and the Israelites are urged to sing a new song.

What does this mean for us, as people of the New Testament?

Jesus said, ‘let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matt 5:16) 

This was the verse that came to mind as I met with leaders from confessional Lutheran churches from around the world in Germany late in October. Without exception, every bishop and president I spoke with expressed their deep sadness over the recent decision to approve the ordination of women here in Australia, and yet they also shared their joy as they have witnessed from afar the many people who have taken a stand for the truth. Your good work of making a faithful confession is far more significant than you might realise.