The Power and Meaning of Baptism

Introduction

We Christians should learn to love our Baptism and think of it as more than just an ordinary rite of the church. Baptism does more than merely symmbolize the new life in Christ; Baptism is a means of grace. Through it we are given the Holy spirit and the new birth; through it we are justified; and through it we are given eternal life and strength for holy living.

The Power of Baptism

How can water do such great things?
It is not the water that does these things, but the Word of God which is in and with the water, and faith which trusts this Word of God in the water. For without the Word of God, the water is simply water and no baptism; but with the Word of God, it is a baptism, that is a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Spirit as St. Paul says, Titus 3:5-8:

  1. Why is Baptism called a “gracious water of life”?
    Baptism is called a gracious water of life because it brings us forgiveness of sins; and where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.

  2. Why is Baptism called a "washing of regenerationa nd renewing of the Holy Spirit"?
    Baptism is called a washing of regneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit because it is a special washing by which the Holy Spirit cleanses us from sin and gives us the new brith in Christ.
  3. How are "justified by His grace" in Baptism?
    In Baptism we are justified by His grace because by being baptized into Christ's life and death, we are delivered from the guilt and punishment of sina nd given the righteousness of Christ.
  4. How does Baptism make us "heirs … of eternal life"?
    In Baptism God establishes His covenant with us and make us His children by faith in Christ and, therefore, His heirs of eternal life.
  5. What gives Baptism the power to do all these things?
    The Word of God which is with the water gives Baptism its power.
    Bible Reference: The world was created by the power of God's Word.
    Bible Reference: Lazarus was raised by the power of God's Word.
    Bible Reference: God's Word cleanses from sin.
  6. How do all the blessings of Baptism become ours?
    The blessings of Baptism become ours when we renounce the devil and by faith accept the promises that God has given us in Baptism.

The Meaning of Baptism

What does such baptizing with water mean?
Such baptizing with water means that the old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts; and that a new man daily come forth and arise, who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
Where is this written?
St. Paul writes, Romans 6:4:

  1. What is the old Adam (old man)?
    The old Adam is our inherited sinful nature with its evil lusts. (See Question 97.)
  2. What is the new man?
    The new man is the new spiritual life which the Holy Spirit created in us by regeneration.
  3. What is our response to God's covenant of grace in baptism?
    In response to God's covenant of grace in Baptism, we put off the old man by daily avoiding sin, and we put on the new man by clinging to God as His obedient children.
  4. How do we overcome the old Adam?
    We overcome the old Adam by drowning him through daily contrition (sorrow over sin) and repentance. (See Questions 218 and 219.)
  5. What does repentance mean?
    Repentance means acknowledging our sins with heartfelt shame and sorrow, confessing them sincerely before God and seeking by faith His grace in Christ. (See Question 191.)
  6. Can a person who has fallen from faith be received again into the grace of Baptism?
    Yes. God is always gracious, and His ocvenant stands fast, so that He gladly receives the fallen sinner who turns to Him in true repentance. (See Question 276.)
    Bible Example: The prodigal son was received by his father.
  7. What should parents and the church do, that their children may be kept in the grace of their Baptism?
    Parents and the church should
    • constantly pray for their children who are baptized,
    • teach them the Word of God at home and in the church's instruction for confirmation and
    • set them a good example.

    Bible Example: Samuel was taught by Eli.
    Bible Example: Tiothy was taught by his parents.
  8. What is confirmation?
    Confirmation is a rite in which individuals confess the faith into which they have been baptized and show that they are properly instructed to received the Lord's Supper.

Conclusion

Through our study of God's Word we come to know the blessings of grace and forgiveness which our Baptism gives us. From this study we also learn how tot retain these blessings so that we will be saved. After such instruction the chruch through the rite of confirmation gives us its blessing through its minister and invites us to the Lord's Supper.

Hymn

With one accord, O God, we pray:
Grant us Thy Holy Spirit,
Look Thou on our infirmity
Through Jesus' blood and merit.
Grant us to grow in grace each day
By holy Baptism that we may
Eternal life inherit! (ELH 241:2)

Bible Readings

At home:

In class: