The following information is taken from the Holy Bible (NIV) 1989, Luther’s
Catechism 3rd edition, and from Christian Worship – a Lutheran
Hymnal.
Washed in the blood
of Jesus
Our
Savior Jesus Christ commanded baptism when he said: ‘Go and make disciples of
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit.’ All of us are born into this world with a deep need for baptism.
From our parents we inherit a sinful nature; we are without true fear of God
and true faith in God and are condemned to eternal death. But Jesus took away
our sin by giving his life on the cross. At our baptism he clothes us with the
robe of his righteousness and gives us a new life. Our sinful nature need not
control us any longer. (Christian
Worship pg. 12)
People
have questions about Baptism; what is it,
what does it do for us, why do we need it? Many denominations have
different beliefs about baptism. Some feel it is something that should be done
when a child is old enough to make his/her own determination and decision to be
baptized. Some believe that infants should be baptized as newborns or as soon
as possible after birth. There are some churches who think of it merely as an
official naming ceremony and some that don’t believe in it at all.
I am a
member of the WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). The WELS does not
deviate from Scripture in any way. We take God at His Word and to the best of
our ability and understanding do not alter it in any way. What God says goes – end of story! We believe that Baptism
is an important blessing and gift from God and is beneficial to all people of
all ages.
JESUS
INSTITUTED BAPTISM
What is Baptism? (Luther’s Catechism
pg. 9)
Baptism
is not just plain water, but it is water used by God’s command and connected
with God’s Word which
tells us; 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 (Matthew 28: 19).
In the
scripture above from Matthew Jesus refers to all nations in His command to baptize. He does not differentiate
between babies, children or adults. The words all nations, include all people, young and old alike. This
statement of Jesus eliminates the idea that only those old enough to understand
and make his/her own choice should be baptized.
THE
BLESSINGS OF BAPTISM
What does Baptism do for us? (Luther’s Catechism pg. 9)
Baptism
works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal
salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare. Jesus himself promises; whoever
believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be
condemned (Mark 16:16).
These
words of Jesus do not stipulate any specific age for Baptism. By this statement
we also have the reassurance that it is possible to be saved without baptism as
long as there is faith. Jesus states; whoever
does not believe will be condemned. He does not add to that statement; whoever is not baptized will be condemned. His words make it clear that
the person who comes to faith in the last moments of life with no time for
baptism will be saved. An example of this would be the thief who died on the
cross beside Jesus. He asked Jesus; remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus replied; I tell you the truth, today you
will be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43).
THE
POWER OF BAPTISM
How can
water do such great things? (Luther’s Catechism
pg.9,10)
It
is certainly not the water that does such things, but God’s Word which is in
and with the water and faith which trusts this Word used with the water. For
without God’s Word the water is just plain water and not Baptism. But with this
Word it is Baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of rebirth
by the Holy Spirit.
[God]
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
 |
| Water connected to the Word |
We wash
our bodies with water to become physically clean. The water of Baptism
symbolizes a cleansing, and when not connected with the word of God it means
nothing. It is simply water. We wash with it, we play in it, we cook with it, we
drink it etc. When it is connected to God’s Word by the faith of those
administering it (for an infant), and/or by the person himself, (an adult who
has previously come to faith) it becomes a cleansing by the Holy Spirit.
THE
MEANING OF BAPTISM FOR OUR DAILY LIFE
What
does baptizing with water mean? (Luther’s
Catechism pg. 10)
Baptism
means that the ‘Old Adam’ (the
sinful nature) in us should be drowned by
daily contrition and repentance, and that all its evil deeds and desires be put
to death. It also means that a new person should daily arise to live before God
in righteousness and purity forever.
We
were...buried with [Christ] through baptism into death in order that, just as
Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may
live a new life (Romans
6:4).
 |
| Jesus' suffering becomes our suffering |
In
baptism we become forgiven children of God. Jesus’ suffering becomes our
suffering. His death becomes our death. His resurrection becomes our
resurrection. Jesus paid the debt we owe to God for our sin. We have been
adopted into God’s family. The Holy Spirit lives in us and we are heirs of
eternal life. Jesus says; because I live, you also will live (John
14:19).
In
summary then – Baptism is a gift from God. It is a spiritual cleansing which
offers forgiveness of sins, grants faith by the Holy Spirit, and makes us
children of God and heirs of eternal life.
 |
| For adults |
It is
for all people, young and old. All Christians should take advantage of this
gift and blessing from God as opportunity allows. It is possible to come to
faith without Baptism, but this should be the exception not the rule. We are
saved by faith in Jesus and faith comes to us also through hearing and studying
God’s word. Consequently, faith comes
from hearing the message, and the message is
heard through the word of Christ (Romans
10:17). Those who die without having had the opportunity for baptism, but who have
faith in Jesus, will also be heirs of eternal life.
 |
| For Babies |
 |
| For Children |
He does command baptism however, and entrusts these little lives to us as parents, to be cared for and nurtured. It is our responsibility to make sure they have all that they need, not only for their bodies (their physical good), but especially for their souls (their eternal good). Eternity is forever. Therefore why would we not, when it is within our power to do so, want to afford ourselves the comfort of the sure knowledge that their souls are safe in His loving arms?
Baptism
is not to be taken lightly. Our Baptism does not insure that we can never fall
from faith and lose our eternal inheritance. We must read and study God’s word
in order to stay connected to Jesus. We should go to Him in prayer at the end
of each day with a repentant heart. We need the fellowship and support
we find
in a church home where God’s word is taught in its truth and purity. Those who
have a true heart of faith will find that studying and listening to the word,
talking with God in prayer, and attending worship services will be a joy rather
than a duty. If we neglect these things we are in danger of losing our faith.
If we lose our faith our Baptism will do us no good.
 |
| God's gift to us |
Always
keep in mind that Baptism is a gift from God to us. It is not something we do
for God. It is not our commitment to Him, but rather it is His commitment to
us. It is His promise that we belong to Him, we are forgiven, and heirs of His
eternal Kingdom.
Prayer:
Merciful Father in heaven, we thank you for
the blessing of baptism by which you offer and grant the forgiveness of sins,
life, and salvation. Help us to regard our baptism as the robe of righteousness
we are to wear all the days of our life. Grant us a rich measure of your Spirit
that we may grow in faith and godly living. Help us to carry out our
responsibilities to others who have been baptized, so that all of us may
finally come to the blessed joys of heaven, through Jesus our Lord. Amen. (Christian Worship pg. 14)
Gloria
Dei! (To God be all glory!)
By
Kristeen
