“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith…” — Colossians 2:6–7 (BSB)
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” — Galatians 5:24–25 (BSB)
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It teaches us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” — Titus 2:11–12 (BSB)
“Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed… continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure.” — Philippians 2:12–13 (BSB)
Being baptized means I am no longer my own. I have been claimed by God and called to a life of discipleship. I am expected to participate in the worship and life of the Church, to study God’s Word, to pray continually, and to pursue righteousness. I am called to bear witness to Christ, to love others, and to live as a servant of His kingdom in the world.
This lifelong response to God’s grace is sustained by the Holy Spirit, not by human strength. God works in me both to will and to do His good pleasure. Baptism is the sign of that calling; Christian living is the outworking of it.
The Book of Common Prayer baptismal liturgy charges the newly baptized (or their sponsors) with promises to “renounce the world, the flesh, and the devil,” to “follow and obey Jesus as Lord,” and to “continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship.” These promises describe the shape of the baptized life.
Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “Let us never rest content with having been baptized. Let us remember that Baptism obliges us to live a holy life. The sacrament is the seal—obedience is the evidence” (Knots Untied, 1874).
Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) explains, “The grace of Baptism is not static—it moves. It calls us forward, deeper into the life of Christ. We are baptized into a journey that must be walked, step by step, by faith” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).
Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) writes, “Baptism calls for a response. You have been claimed by Christ—now walk in Him. Daily repent. Daily believe. Daily live as one who belongs to the Kingdom” (Catechesis Forum, 2021).
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba (Church of Uganda) affirms, “Baptism is the beginning of the Christian race. After you rise from the waters, you must run with endurance, looking to Jesus. He will give you strength to finish well” (Discipleship Message, 2022).
Thus, after Baptism, I am expected to live in joyful obedience to Christ—denying myself, taking up my cross, and following Him all the days of my life.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “To be baptized is to die and rise again—to begin a new life. But the new life must be lived. Without perseverance, the promise is in vain.” — Sermon 229
St. Basil the Great (c. 329–379 AD): “Baptism is the starting line of the race. From there, you must run with zeal, strengthened by the Spirit, pressing toward holiness.” — On the Holy Spirit, 15.35
St. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD): “Those who are baptized are instructed to live as Christ taught, to walk in His commandments, and to pray for strength to remain faithful.” — First Apology, 65
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
