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Baptism
1.
What is Baptism?
Baptism
is not just plain water, but it is the water wrapped in God’s
command and combined with God’s word.
Which
is that word of God?
Christ
our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore go and
make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit.” [Matt. 28:19]
2.
What benefits does Baptism give?
It
works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and
gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and
promises of God declare.
Which
are these words and promises of God?
Christ
our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: “Whoever believes
and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be
condemned.” [Mark 16:16]
3.
How can water do such great things?
Certainly
not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these
things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the
water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no
Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a
life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in
the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three:
“He
saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy
Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our
Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become
heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy
saying.” [Titus 3:5–8]
4.
What does such baptizing with water indicate?
It
indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and
repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and
that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in
righteousness and purity forever.
Where
is this written?
St.
Paul writes in Romans chapter six: “We were therefore buried
with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was
raised from the dead through the glow of the Father, we too may live
a new life.” [Rom. 6:4] |
