servants (cont.)
Our identity as servants of God is established by the teachings of Jesus and affirmed in our baptismal rite. The following are excerpts from the baptismal rite as found in the Book of Common Prayer (BCP, 1979):
| Question: | Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God? |
| Answer: | I renounce them. |
| Question: | Do you renounce the evil power of this world, which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God? |
| Answer: | I renounce them. |
| Question: | Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God? |
| Answer: | I renounce them. |
| Question: | Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior? |
| Answer: | I do. |
| Question: | Do you put your whole trust in him, his grace and love? |
| Answer: | I do. |
| Question: | Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord? |
| Answer: | I do. |
| Celebrant: | Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? |
| People: | I will with God's help. |
| Celebrant: | Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ? |
| People: | I will with God's help. |
| Celebrant: | Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? |
| People: | I will with God's help. |
Excerpts from the Rite of Holy Baptism, The Book of Common Prayer. 1979. Pp. 302-305.