Is Bible in support of Infant Baptism?

Yemi Olakitan

Infant baptism, the practice of baptising infants is unarguably a controversial issue in Christendom. While many orthodox churches practise it, the Pentecostals have rejected it, preferring to baptise older people.Yemi Olakitan examines the subject.

According to the encyclopedia Britannica, Baptism is a sacrament of admission into the Christian church. It involves immersion or sprinkling of water in the case of infants, with the invocation; ‘I baptize you in the name of the father and of the son and the Holy Ghost.’ This practice is popular with the Catholic Church as well as other orthodox churches but very unpopular with Pentecostals, Protestants, The Jehovah’s witnesses and the Seventh Day Adventist among others.

In a chat with Pastor Emmanuel Onoja of Hope of Life Evangelical Church, he said, Baptism is for adults and older children, because it is to be administered only after one is “born again,” after one has “accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour.”

“When the adult becomes a Christian, and his salvation is assured; when he is born again and thereafter, Baptism follows. This is because babies cannot reason in the word of God,” he added.

In another chat with Elder Ogunjobi of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, he said, “baptism is a public manifestation of the person’s conversion. Since only an adult or older child can be converted, baptism is inappropriate for infants or for children who have not yet reached the age of reasoning.

“Parents and Guardians make decisions for children, a child can grow up and decide that he does not want to be a Christian or he wants to be a Christian. Therefore, what is the point in baptizing them,? he asked

Deaconess Shola Abimbola of the Global Church of the Living God, Lagos, also opined that infants are incapable of being baptized.

“A person is baptized when they have reached the age of reason and have been taught the word of God and they have accepted it and believed in the name and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. Since infants are not old enough to do this, they cannot be qualified for baptism,” she said.

The Catholic Church in a statement says that it is a sacrament which accomplishes several things, the first of which is the remission of sin, both original sin and actual sin—only original sin in the case of infants and young children, since they are incapable of actual sin; and both original and actual sin in the case of older persons.

Apostle Peter explained said, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). But he did not restrict this teaching to adults. He added, “For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are far off, every one whom the Lord our God calls to him” (2:39). We also read: “Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16). These commands are universal, not restricted to adults.

Further, these commands make clear the necessary connection between baptism and salvation, a connection explicitly stated in 1 Peter 3:21: “Baptism . . . now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

The Catholic Church has also held that Christ’s law applies to infants as well as adults, for Jesus said that no one can enter heaven unless he has been born again of water and the Holy Spirit (John 3:5). His words can be taken to apply to anyone capable of belonging to his kingdom. He asserted such even for children: “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:14).

A member of the Jehovah’s Witness, (name withheld) while speaking on the subject of Infant Baptism said, ‘‘one need to have accurate knowledge of the Bible before one can become baptized as a member of the Jehovah’s Witness. Infants do not have such ability and are therefore not qualified for baptism”.

According to him, only a person who has studied the Bible and come to a decision to follow Jehovah should be baptized.’’

In another chat with Ayinde Stephens, a member of the Catholic Church, he quoted, ‘the book of Luke which states, “Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God’” (Luke 18:15–16). Jesus said: “to such as these belongs the kingdom of heaven.” The Lord did not require them to make a conscious decision. He says that they are the kind of people who can come to him and receive the kingdom. So on what basis can infants and young children be excluded from baptism? If Jesus said “let them come unto me,” who are we to say “no,” and refuse to baptize them,? he asked.

Speaking further Stephens said: “Apostle Paul wrote that baptism has replaced circumcision (Col. 2:11–12). He refers to baptism as “the circumcision of Christ” and “the circumcision made without hands.” Only infants were circumcised under the Old Law; circumcision of adults was rare, since there were few converts to Judaism. If Paul meant to exclude infants, he would not have chosen circumcision as a parallel for baptism.

‘In the Old Testament, if a man wanted to become a Jew, he had to be circumcised. In the New Testament, if one wants to become a Christian, one must be baptized. In the Old Testament, those born into Jewish households could be circumcised in anticipation of the Jewish faith in which they would be raised. Thus in the New Testament, those born in Christian families can be baptized with the hope of the Christian faith in which they will be raised’’.

Elder Ajibola Theophilus of the United African Methodist Church said: ‘‘The Bible did not say baptism is to be restricted to adults; the people whose baptisms we read about in Scripture are adults, because they were converted as adults. This makes sense, because Christianity was just beginning—there were no people brought up from childhood in Christian homes.’’

In the New Testament, we read that Lydia was converted by Paul’s preaching and that “She was baptized with her household” (Acts 16:15). The Philippian jailer whom Paul and Silas had converted to the faith was baptized that night along with his household. We are told that “the same hour of the night . . . he was baptized, with all his family” (Acts 16:33). And in his greetings to the Corinthians, Paul recalled that, “I did baptize also the household of Stephanas” (1 Cor. 1:16). In all these cases, whole households or families were baptized. This means more than just the spouse; the children too were included. If the text of Acts referred simply to the Philippian jailer and his wife, then we would read that “he and his wife were baptized,” but we do not. Thus his children must have been baptized as well. The same applies to the other cases of household baptism in Scripture.’’

‘‘Granted, we do not know the exact age of the children; they may have been past the age of reason, rather than infants. Then again, they could have been babes in arms. More probably, there were both younger and older children. Certainly there were children younger than the age of reason in some of the households that were baptized.

Furthermore, given the New Testament pattern of household baptism, if there were to be exceptions to this rule (such as infants), they would be explicit. Why do we have no record of the Apostles condemning infant baptism, if it was not practiced by the first believers?’’

Methodists contend that infant baptism has spiritual value for the infant. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, held that baptism is a means of grace, but it was symbolic. Methodists view baptism in water as symbolic.

However, Pastor Akereja of Christ Lights Assembly, Lagos, opined that whether one is baptized as an adult or as an infant does not really matter to God. According to him, the important thing is that one is baptized.

“It is a symbolic activity of one’s acceptance of the goodness of the Gospel and the sacrifice that was made by Jesus Christ for all humanity. No-one is excluded whether one is a baby or an elder. Look, the most important message of our Lord Jesus is not even baptism, it is love.”

He said, we should love our neighbours as ourselves and love God with all our hearts. If you love your neighbour, you will not do anything to harm him. I think Christians should focus more on the message of love because that is the true heart and soul of Christianity,” he counselled.

Merchandised Holy Water: How Christian?

YEMI OLAKITAN

Holy water is a popular phenomenon in some Christian denominations in Nigeria. This concept held so much belief by some Christians that it is said to cure various diseases.  This water is even reportedly sold to believers in some churches.  Yemi Olakitan examines the concept in the light of biblical texts and Christian views through various interviews and chats with many clerics from various denominations. 

In a chat with Prophet, Dr Isaiah Oluatansuyi (Baba Aladura) of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and seraphim Church, Ijo Peter Omojola Memorial, Apongbo, he said, ‘‘Holy Water is one of the paths that was laid down by the founder of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church. The late Moses Orimolade, the founder of the C&S Church used water, olive oil, perfume and incense to do various types of healings and miracles.  Water, in particular, is a tool of power and grace in the Cherubim and seraphim Church Movement. Moses Orimolade used Holy water for cleaning and prayers. Water is one of the substances that God first created and it signifies life. It is a life given force. We usually pray over water, sometimes for three days, sometimes five days. It is by faith. These prayers are conducted by anointed prophets of God in the church. The Holy water is then used for deliverance, miracles and healings of various types. A child was brought to me recently for prayers. He was born with an ailment in his tongue and could not talk as he began to grow. The parents wanted to take him to the hospital, not that hospital is bad, but the Lord told me to use olive oil and we used it and the child began to speak.  God makes use of whatever he chooses in this ministry of healing. He can use water to heal, he can use oil. We cannot limit him. The important thing is faith. I have used sugar cane to heal a certain woman who was suffering from a severe cough and she received her healing. No-one should say that Holy water is it is wrong, it depends on how God wants to deal with you.’’ speaking further, he said, it is wrong to sell Holy water to believers, salvation is free. Christians are to give a freewill offering. They should not be coerced,’’ he said.

       In another chat with Ms Chibuzor Momoh, a member of the Celestial Church of Christ, Holy Cross Parish, Ikeja, she opined that ‘‘Holy water is usually prescribed for a person in the Celestial Church of Christ. The practice is attached to one’s faith. It can be used for healing and deliverance. There was a time I was fighting some battles in my personal life. The holy water was prescribed to me. There was also a time I was sick I used Holy water. It can be used to watch one’s feet, head or bath. I believe in holy water because I have had personal testimonies from using it. Sometimes, it can be prescribed that one should use it with perfume. It is the Holy Spirit in the water that performs the miracles and answers one’s prayer. I believe in it because it worked for me. You can sprinkle it upon yourself. Holy water is used in the Celestial Church of Christ, Cherubim and seraphim and the Catholic Church. It is peculiar to us at the Celestial Church of Christ. If a believer uses it in spirit and in truth, it works but you have to back it up with prayer and fasting.  The anointing oil that the Pentecostals used, is it not mixed with faith? It is the same thing. The Bible says, according to your faith be it unto you. I have drunk it for about 41 days at some time when a prophecy was given to me, I followed it to the latter. In celestial Church of Christ, we do not sell Holy water. You have to bring your own water and the shepherdess will pray on it and it will work if you believe.’’

In another chat with Deacon Olayemi Tijani of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Agbala Ore Ofe Model Parish, Lagos Island, he said, ‘‘Holy water is not emphasized in the Bible when Jesus shed his blood on the cross, and he already paid the price. The blood of Jesus Christ was enough for the Christians, there was no longer any need for holy water or any other sacrifice. The bible says that anyone who calls upon the name of Jesus shall be saved.  I do not blame those who use Holy water, it is their doctrine. When you go to the Catholic Church, they still use many old doctrines; they do not want to change. Many of these doctrines have changed and they are modernized.’’  

Speaking on those who are selling Holy Water, he said it is very wrong for any man of God to sell Holy water because salvation is free. Jesus Christ died for humanity. He gave his life as a ransom; he did not collect money for it. There was a man in the Bible that requested to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit from the Apostles, he was rebuked. You cannot buy the Holy Spirit or any of his gifts; therefore the merchandising of Holy water is a terrible error of Christianity.’’

Pastor Jaiye Abiola, of the Christ Life Church, said, ‘‘the concept of Holy water is only symbolic and the denominations that practice the use of Holy Water use such to key into the faith of the individual. The Bible says, according to your faith be it unto you. We cannot condemn the use of Holy water in prayers neither can we condemn the people who make use of it. It is part of African behaviours we attach a lot of importance to the concept of symbolism. When clerics say that one should go and bath in the river or pray into the water to drink it is basically symbolic. All these are meant to arouse the faith of the person involved. We cannot say that it is not biblical because water itself is symbolic, it symbolizes life even Jesus Christ told the blind man to go and wash in the pool and he got his healing. It is not unbiblical to use water to minister to believers. However, that does not mean that one must use water because the same Jesus healed people without water by merely touching them.’’

On whether holy water should be sold, He said, it is absolutely wrong to sell Holy Water to the believers. Salvation is free and should not be sold. Anyone involved in such practices is definitely not a Christian. It is purely unbiblical to sell holy water.’’ He said.

Deacon Chima of the Global Church of the Living God, said, ‘‘holy water can be used to minister healing or deliverance because the Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways. The same Holy Spirit who uses anointing oil can also use water. He, however, said that the sale of holy water in whatever disguise is repugnant and unbiblical and should not be encouraged.’’ According to him, ‘‘many false prophets are on the loose, they all want money. This is why they merchandise Holy water for their congregation. This is not right, salvation is free, our Lord Jesus Christ died for humanity. He gave his life as a ransom for humanity and he did not sell anything.  The men who are in the ministry for the money they will make will always find a way to carry out their agenda. The Lord Jesus did not sell anything, his mission was clear; to give his life as a ransom for many and he commanded us to preach the Gospel of salvation free of charge.’’

In another chat with Pastor Emmanuel Onoja of Hope of Life evangelical Church, he said, holy water is not a doctrine of his church and it is not condoned. ‘As you know, Christianity is a subject of faith. The bible says that if we have faith as a grain of mustard seed, we shall say to this mountain be thou cast into the sea and nothing shall be impossible unto you. A Christians who believe can pray to water and it will become a healing tonic or medicine to the body. We do not discourage people who use holy water either. We at the Hope of Life Evangelical believe in the use of anointing oil and that is what we preach in all our services.’’ He said.  

In a conversation with Mrs Shola Abimbola, a Deaconess at Global Church of the Living God, she said, '' We cannot completely condemn the sale of Holy Water. We have to look at the motives behind the sale. If the motive is to enable people to contribute financially to the preaching of the Gospel, then, there is nothing wrong with the sale. It all depends on the motive.  If a token is attached to the distribution of packaged Holy Water for healings, miracles, prayers and works of deliverance to enable people to sow a seed in the work of evangelism, charity, Church building projects, overseas missions, etc how can we condemn that? I believe that motives must carefully be examined before we condemn anything as Christians because only God knows the intents of the hearts. We humans do not have all the information to make an imperfect judgement. I will not condemn anybody,''' she said. 

How should Christians pray?

YEMI OLAKITAN

 

Prayer is very important in the lives of Christians, it is also a subject of divergent opinions  and approaches, while some believe that eyes must be closed during prayers, others prefer to open their eyes, some go to the mountains, others go to the sea, some kneel, others shout. Senior Correspondent, Yemi Olakitan examines the subject of Christian prayer in the light of Biblical texts and Christian views.

The Lord Jesus while speaking on the subject of prayer said, "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matthew 6:5-8).  He also gave us a pattern of prayer called the Lord’s Prayer in the gospels of Matthew 6: 9-13

Reverend Father Abiona of the Catholic Church while speaking on the subject of how Christians should pray said, ‘‘‘there is no law in the catholic church that says that a Christian should close his eyes or should not close his eyes during prayers. People close their eyes in the Catholic Church and some people do not. The most important thing is that we should pray without ceasing, according to what the Bible commands.  Those who close their eyes when they pray do well and those who do not also do well. When people close their eyes, they do so in order to enhance their concentration and focus. It enables the believers to avoid distractions and to put their minds on the subject of prayer. You cannot say, you are praying when you are looking here and there. You have to put your mind to it.  The people who go to the mountain to pray and the people who go to the sea or river to pray do well as long as they do not do other things that are contrary to the word of God when they get there. God is everywhere and Jesus himself said that when we pray that we should go into our house and shut the door and speak to our heavenly father.’’

The Bishop of Kogi Diocese, the Right Reverend, A.I Dawodu of the African Church Cathedral opined that prayer is a spiritual activity and communion with God, ‘‘the bible says those who worship God must worship him in spirit and in truth. Those who go to the river to pray have not done anything unscriptural. Christians go to the river to pray because of the need to stay close to God in an environment of quietness and solitude. Jesus himself regularly withdrew to the mountains to pray and to hear from God. Let us not forget that the African people believe in symbolism. They believe that symbols connect them to the divine that is why they go to the river or the mountain. In the bible, Naaman, the leper was healed after he bathed himself at a river.  (2 Kings 5:1-19)  There is nothing unbiblical about going to the river or the mountain to pray.  Jesus himself preached by the river banks, it was there he met one of his greatest disciples, Apostle Peter. God is everywhere and Christians can pray anywhere, in the church, at home, in the office and they can open their eyes or close it. There is now where in the bible where Christians are told to pray with their eyes close or opened. They can pray with any posture that is convenient for them and at any time in any place. The instruction is to pray without ceasing.’’

In another chat with Elder Theophilus Ajibola of the United African Methodist Church, he said, it is not true that Catholics or orthodox churches do not close their eyes when they pray. We close our eyes and we kneel down..  The Pentecostals stand. They believe in praying while they stand. They hardly kneel. The white garments like going to the sea or river banks. All these are good, if we do them according to our faith.  The reason why we close our eyes is so that we can concentrate on the task at hand. We close our eyes so that we can focus on God and avoid distractions.  What the Bible says is, according to your faith be it unto you.

Deaconess Shola Abimbola of the Global Church of the Living God in Lekki, Lagos says prayer is a communication between man and God. Christians should close their eyes when they pray.  This is because of concentration and focus and it helps to avoid distractions. This is important in prayer. It is not wrong to go to the mountain or the river. You can go to the mountain in your room. It does not necessarily mean that one must go to a physical mountain.  The idea of going to the mountain or the river is just to achieve concentration. It helps to be alone with God and communicate with him. There is no posture that is not acceptable to God, whether you kneel, jump or stand does not matter all that is required that you communicate with your God.  There are instances when one can open the eyes during prayer. If I am driving and I am praying to God. I cannot close my eyes. If I am praying with a prayer list on a paper, I will not close my eyes since I have to read from the list. In whatever way, we choose tom pray God hears.

 Pastor Emmanuel of Hope of Life Evangelical Church said, going to the mountain or to the hill is not wrong, when it comes to the subject of prayer what is important is the faith of the individual believers. It is not wrong for people to go to the sea to pray as long as they go there to pray and not to do unbiblical acts. Prayer can be offered anywhere since our God is everywhere. He is everywhere and he is omnipotent. Prayer is a personal thing between you and God. Consequently, I believe that the exact manner people pray is also between them and God. The exact manner isn't specified in the Bible... Some people may like to kneel, some people may turn out the lights, and some people may look up towards the sky while others may pray silently within their heads. Different people communicate with their saviour in different ways but the most important thing is that communication is occurring.’’

Pastor clement Ofunoye of the Global Church of the living God while speaking on the subject of prayer, said, that Christians should pray with all their hearts and might’s and without ceasing. Some believe in gentleman prayers. I don’t, because the devil is not gentle. Jesus Christ prayed and blood comes out from his face as sweat. If you pray with vigour and you pray sluggishly, which one will enter your subconscious man? I believe in violent prayers. I don’t do gentleman prayers.’’

Evangelist Ezekiel Keith of the House on the Rock, said, ‘prayer depends on the state of mind of the believer.’ According to him, ‘one does not need to close eyes. It is not compulsory but closing one’s eyes connects one to the spiritual, which is God because you then avoid distractions.  There is no definite place where a Christian can pray. You can pray in your room or outside your room but Jesus Christ warn us not to make a show of prayer. Our God is omnipresent and omniscient. One can pray anywhere and at any time in any posture. It is one’s state of mind and the condition of the heart that God is looking at. Christians should pray as they see fit to pray. God is well aware of what's in your heart as you pray; he's aware if you're doing anything out of traditional formality, or if it's being done sincerely. You can pray anywhere.
You can sit, stand, run, lay, kneel, or whatever. I often pray as I lay in bed at night, and when I'm at work - always asking God for his grace. I will pray when I'm just sitting around and sometimes it's as if I'm just having a normal conversation in the same way I would with anyone else - just sitting there casually and talking.  The Bible says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. This is what I live by when it comes to the subject of prayer.

Elder Veronica Osai of Good shepherd Church, Ajegunle said, ‘‘prayer is a personal thing. It's a conversation between you and God. It isn't between you and someone else and God. The way that you have that conversation is between you and God. No one has a right to come and give you rules about how to talk to your best friend. You may do it laying down -- standing up -- walking around. We should be comfortable, open to talk and open to listen. We should just be ourselves. If having your eyes closed helps you, do it. If it doesn't, don't do it.  The bible says, according to your faith be it unto you.

Pilgrimage to Jerusalem: Tourism or Spirituality?

YEMI OLAKITAN

Today, many Christians have made pilgrimages to Jerusalem a part of Christian religious exercise. In 2013, even President Goodluck Jonathan was on a Christian Pilgrimage to Israel. He was among many other pilgrims at the Wailing walls in Israel. However, some have argued that the Bible does not prescribe a holy pilgrimage for Christians; hence the practice is not biblical. Senior Correspondent, Yemi Olakitan, examines the subject.

Not long ago, President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, while on a visit to President Goodluck Jonathan asked the President to make pilgrimage to Jerusalem an annual duty to enable him continue to seek for spiritual guidance in the governance of the country.

According to him, “Mr. President should make the Presidential pilgrimage and "A Day with Jesus in Jerusalem" an annual event as the spiritual benefits of that exercise to our dear nation and its people are immeasurable”.

The Encyclopedia Britannica, describes pilgrimage as a journey undertaken for a religious purpose. A Christian pilgrimage is described as a pilgrimage or journey made by Christians to places which have moral or spiritual significance.

The question that then arises is: What is the significance of holy pilgrimage to the Christian faith? Does it have any spiritual relevance in the Scripture or is it merely another tourist exercise?

In a chat with Deaconess Shola Abimbola of the Global Church of the Living God, Ajah, Lagos, she said: ‘‘Christians undertake pilgrimages to Jerusalem because most events in the life of Jesus Christ happened in and around the city. These places include the Garden of Gethsemane, Golgotha, the Upper room where he appeared after resurrection to His disciples and His tomb”. She however said the practice of pilgrimage is not mandatory in Christianity. According to her, Jesus Christ did not recommend pilgrimage for Christians; instead he said the kingdom of God is within us and that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

“This clearly shows that a Christian does not have to go on pilgrimage before he can have spiritual rejuvenation unless he wants to go on tourism. We do not have to go on a pilgrimage because the other religion goes on pilgrimage. I personally do not consider it a necessary part of my Christian experience unless I want to go on vacation and I want to visit some Christian tourist centers. I do not attach any spiritual attachment to it. What is recommended by the Bible is that we should be born again, be baptized by water and the Holy Spirit. Jesus also commanded us to love our neighbours as ourselves. If we do these, we would have done all that Jesus commanded while he was on earth and the world would be a better place to live. Do you know that some Nigerians abscond when they get to Israel? They use the opportunity for illegal immigration. That is very shameful,’’ she said.

In another chat with Pastor Emmanuel Onoja of Hope of Life Evangelical Church, Lagos, he said, “for a Christian to see the places where Jesus walked, talked and performed his miracles is an experience in spirituality and to behold the beautiful ancient churches, the garden of Gethsemane, the pool of Siloam, (Pilate's Court), the empty tomb of Jesus is a deepening of one’s faith in God”.

He added: “Many Christians have come back with numerous testimonies when they visit the holy land. It is something that we Christians should encourage. I believe that it is something that will increase someone’s faith in God. We read all these places in the Bible; a pilgrimage will enable Christians to see them face to face, that to me is more than just tourism, it is spiritually uplifting’’.

According to him, though the Bible does not instruct Christians to go on holy pilgrimage to anywhere, he said he is convinced that pilgrimage to Jerusalem and other places mentioned in the Bible would be a humbling spiritual experience. 

However, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Pilgrims Commission, John Kennedy Opara disagrees with those criticizing pilgrimage to Israel by Christians.

He said: ‘‘Contrary to the misconception in some quarters that pilgrimage is not commanded by the scriptures, it is a serious spiritual business which is clearly spelt out in Psalm 122 verse 6 “that those who love Israel, I will secure.

“Also in Zechariah 8 verse 22, ‘many people and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to worship the Lord Almighty, and pray for his blessing. Others could be found in Zechariah 14: 16 -17.

“This is why on our own part, at NCPC and indeed the states’ Christian Pilgrim Welfare Boards, we are driving pilgrimage as a tool for moral transformation and spiritual rebirth. Pilgrimage is not the same as tourism in several ways. It is a spiritual journey to which the pilgrim tends to benefit tremendously. It is a journey to holy, sacred places to usher the pilgrims into the presence of God. Pilgrims embark on this journey with joyful hearts in anticipation and expectation of encountering God and are transformed, renewed and restored”.

Speaking further, Opara said ‘‘No fewer than 30,000 Nigerians perform Christian pilgrimage to Israel annually. “Pilgrimage is a tool for moral and spiritual upliftment and not a jamboree.It is a journey to the very source of Christianity, to the very place where "the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. Visiting this pre-eminent spiritual destination is truly an experience of a lifetime and something not to be missed”.

Speaking further, the NCPC boss said: “We have widened the scope of the pilgrimage. Before now, our national pilgrimage ends only in Israel and Sinai but we have extended it to Rome, Greece, Corinth, Thessalonica and the Philippi and other places where Apostle Paul worked. If you are going on pilgrimage, you must have prepared your mind spiritually. If you prepare your mind spiritually, then you would be able to appreciate the visit and profit from it. The whole essence is to make people to be spiritually and morally transformed. When they come back, they will help the system and help the government to move forward. The Bible says faith cometh by hearing the word. When Christians go on pilgrimage, they do not hear alone, they see that which is preached physically and the effects is always awesome. They come back renewed. While in Israel, they see things the way it truly is that Jesus worked there; there is no fortress, and there are no hectare of land that they say belonged to Jesus and the message is clear to the people. Christ did everything without attributing or acquiring any wealth for himself, so it helps a lot.

“I want more than one hundred thousand Nigerians to go to Israel annually that is my dream; that more people should go to Israel annually. If I am able to get hundreds of thousands of Nigerians to go to Israel, every one of them will be able to affect lives. So, the multiplier effect will be much and over millions of lives will be transformed and we will live in peace and harmony. Pilgrimage is a tool for spiritual transformation. Pilgrimage is an act ordained by God almighty in the Bible.’’

In a testimony from the Nigerian Christian Pilgrimage Commission, NCPC, a woman pilgrim, name withheld, narrated her experience.

“I waited for the fruit of the womb for 18 years after marriage. There was no name people did not call me, even my in-laws did not spare me. Somebody told me about going on pilgrimage to seek the face of God. After much persuasion, I conceded to it. We travelled in 2009 to the State of Israel. At every site, I made it a point of duty to pray and when we got to the Wailing Wall (Solomon's Temple) in Jerusalem, I wrote out my prayer request, inserted it in the wall. Two months into our arrival in Nigeria, to the glory of God Almighty, I got pregnant and thereafter delivered a bouncing baby boy. After the arrival of my baby, the devil struck again, the baby was not crawling, talk-less of walking. After one year, I went back to the Wailing Wall to remind God of His promises. All glory to God, my son is not only walking but can talk fluently.’’

Attesting to its powerful impact on the visitor; William Johnston, author of a handbook on the Holy Land, says: "Here, the pilgrim who is open to God's grace will be deeply enriched in the Faith, for the mind will be filled with the awesome wonder of so many sacred shrines and this will be cemented in the heart never to fade". 

According to Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, a pilgrimage to the Holy land should be a time of prayer and close relationship with God.

Holy Communion: The divergent views

YEMI OLAKITAN

The Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper has been considered to be one of the most important tenets of the Christian faith. The Lord Jesus commanded his followers to do it in remembrance of him. However, different denominations have different views concerning the Lord’s Supper, when and how it should be observed and who should observed it. Senior Correspondent, Yemi Olakitan, examines the differences with biblical texts.

According to the encyclopedia Britannica, the Last Supper, also called Lord’s Supper,  in the New Testament (Matthew 26:17–29; Mark 14:12–25; Luke 22:7–38; I Corinthians 11:23–25), was the final meal shared by the Lord Jesus to his disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem. According to the biblical account, Jesus sent two of his disciples to prepare for the meal and he met with all the disciples in the upper room. He told them that one of them would betray him. After blessing bread and wine and giving it to them to eat and drink, Jesus told them that it was his body and he commanded that it should be done in remembrance of him. This commandment has been kept and followed by Christians all over the world.  

According to the Scriptures, Jesus did not specifically state how often it should be observed. He simply said: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) Apostle Paul however said: “For as often as you eat this loaf and drink this cup, you keep proclaiming the death of the Lord, until he arrives.” (1 Cor. 11:26) In a chat with Pastor Emmanuel Onoja of Hope of Life Evangelical church, he said, ‘‘the Last Supper or the Lords supper can be done as often as the believers decides and as the holy spirit directs, ‘it can be observed once in a year, it can be twice a year, weekly or monthly. It does not really matter because our Lord Jesus did not say specifically. The scripture says as often, which could be interpreted in many ways by different denominations. The most important thing is that Christians should obey the instruction of the Lord and observe the Lord’s Supper. It is also important to note that only those who have given their lives to the Lord Jesus and become born again children of God may observe the Lords supper because the Bible says we should not eat it unworthily. It is also not a festival meal where one eats and drinks to stupor; it is a very spiritual and symbolic exercise that should be taken with all sobriety and seriousness.’’

However a member of the Jehovah’s Witness, (name with held) insisted that the Lords supper should be observed annually. He said “as often” does not necessarily mean many times a year; it could mean yearly. Jesus said, ‘in remembrance of me.’ A remembrance should be an anniversary.  If you want to commemorate an important event, such as a wedding anniversary, or if a nation commemorates her independence anniversary, how often would that be? It would be once a year.  Speaking further, he said.  ‘‘Jehovah’s Witnesses observe the Memorial annually after sundown on Nisan 14, according to the reckoning of the Jewish calendar. Jesus died on the same Jewish calendar day that he instituted the Memorial.  Who partook when Jesus instituted the Lord’s Evening Meal shortly before he died? Eleven faithful followers to whom Jesus said: “I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom.” (Luke 22:29) They were all persons who were being invited to share with Christ in his heavenly Kingdom. (John 14:2, 3) All who partake of the bread and wine today should also be persons whom Christ brings into that ‘covenant for a kingdom.’   Jesus said that only a “little flock” would receive the heavenly Kingdom as their reward. (Luke 12:32) The full number would be 144,000. (Rev. 14:1-3)

In another chat with Deaconess Roseline Abimbola of the Global Church of the Living God, she said, since the Bible says it should be done often I believe that once in three months will be appropriate although in my church we do it monthly we observe it hymns. We do not sing praises. It’s a solemn mood.  In my church i expressed my views that once in three months is better but the elders chose monthly observance of the Holy Communion. It does not really matter when we observe it, as long as we observe the Communion.  What the Lord Jesus emphasized was the observance in remembrance of him. If he wanted it to be yearly or monthly he would have said so. He left that part for us to decide. I think that believers should submit themselves to the decision and authority of the leaders of the church. Once the church elders decide when to take it, we should submit to that authority and observe the Communion. Anyone who is born again and is a faithful follower of our Lord Jesus can observe the Holy Communion,’’ she said.

According to Pope John Paul II ‘‘Communion is an intimate encounter with Christ, in which we receive Christ into our bodies, that we may be more completely assimilated into him. It deepens unity with the Church, more fully assimilating us into Christ. It also strengthens the individual because in Jesus himself, the Word made flesh, forgives our sins and gives us the strength to resist mortal sin. It is the channel of eternal life.

 Jesus explained   the reasons for receiving Communion in the Gospel of John:  "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.  For, my flesh is real food, and my blood is real drink. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me. This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever" (John 6:53–58). 

In another chat with Elder Mrs. Victoria Osai of the Catholic Church, the Catholic Church encourages Catholics to receive frequent Communion, even daily Communion if possible.  ‘‘In other for one to receive the communion worthily, one must be in a state of grace without any mortal sin. One must also be baptized. "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup" (1 Cor. 11:27–28). 

In a statement by the Catholic Church, a mortal sin is any sin whose matter is grave and which has been committed willfully and with knowledge of its seriousness. Grave matter includes, but is not limited to, murder, receiving or participating in an abortion, homosexual acts, having sexual intercourse outside of marriage or in an invalid marriage, and deliberately engaging in impure thoughts (Matt. 5:28–29). (1 Cor. 6:9–10 and Gal. 5:19–21). 

In another chat with Kemi Adesina of the Living faith church, she said, ‘‘we take the Holy Communion in my church regularly, weekly. The communion is a remembrance of the Lord Jesus if possible I personally want to remember him daily. So, one can even take Communion daily.  We also take the communion singing praises. It is a joyful atmosphere because the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus brought salvation to mankind. We observe the Communion in a mood of celebration and thanksgiving.  However, only those who have giving their lives to Christ and repented of their sins, have embraced the new life in Christ Jesus can approach the communion table. If one has not given his life to Christ and become born again, then the person will be taking the Communion unworthily and we do not encourage that. The Communion is a very important part of the Christian faith because the Lord Jesus expressly commanded Christians to do it in remembrance of him. We have to do it.’’

According to the Bishop of the Living faith Church, David Oeydepo, one of the benefits of taking the communion regularly is the gifts of divine health which is given by God. ‘‘You cannot eat the body of the Lord Jesus and abhor sickness and disease in your body, it gives divine life to your body, spirit and soul’’ he said.