Introduction
The Triune God is our great and mighty King, rich in grace and mercy. He has therefore provided means of grace by which sinners may receive pardon and peace from Christ. Through the Word, through the Sacrament of Baptism and through the Sacrament of the Altar, God brings us forgiveness of sins. (See Question 188.)
- What do we mean by a sacrament?
By a sacrament, we mean- a sacred act
- instituted by God Himself,
- which consists of certain visible means connected with His Word,
- through which He offers, gives and seals to us the forgiveness of sins, which Christ has earned for us.
The Nature of Baptism
What is Baptism?
Baptism is not just water, but it is the water used according to God’s command and connected with His Word.
What is that Word and command of God concerning Baptism?
Jesus says:
The word baptize means to apply water.
Bible Reference: The ceremonial washing (baptizing) of the Pharisees
- Why is Baptism more than just water?
Baptism is more than just water because the water in Baptism is connected with God’s Word when it is applied in “the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” according to the special command of Christ.
- What does it mean that we are baptized “in the name of” the Triune God?
That we are baptized in the name of the Triune God means that Through Baptism God makes us His children.
- Who should be baptized?
Jesus said that all the nations, that is all people, young and old, should be baptzied.
- How do we know that little children should be baptized?
We know that little children should be baptized because- they are included in our Lord’s command to His church that all nations be baptized,
- Jesus particularly asks that little children be brought to Him,
- little children, even infants, are dead in sin and must be born again, and
- Holy Baptism is a means given to the church by which infants are regenerated and brought to faith. (See Questions 97, 183 and 217.)
- How do we know that little children can believe?
We know that little children can believe, because Jesus speaks of the “little ones who believe in Me” an declares that “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” He furthermore states that even adults are to become as little children in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. (See Questions 182 and 184.)
- Who should administer Baptism?
Ordinarily the called minister of Christ should administer Baptsim, but in emergency any Christian may and should do so. (See “A Short Form for Emergency Baptism”.) - Why, according to the custom of the church, do we have baptismal sponsors?
We have baptismal sponsors to serve as witnesses that the child has been baptized in the name of the Triune God. Sponsors are also to pray for the child and, to the best of their ability, assist in its Christian training, especially if it becomes and orphan.
The Blessings of Baptism
What does Baptism give or profit?
Baptism effects forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, just as the words and promises of God declare.
Which are these words and promises of God?
Christ our Lord says, Mark 16:16:
- What are the blessings of Baptism?
The blessings of Baptism are the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation.
- How can Baptism save us, when Christ alone is our Savior?
Baptism saves us because it unites us with Christ through faith and thus make us partakers of all the blessings He has won for us.
- Can a person be saved without Baptism?
A person who in unbelief despises Baptism despises JEsus Himself and therefore cannot be saved. However, a person who believes in Jesus will be saved even though deprived of Baptism. Only unbelief condemns.
Bible Example: The Pharisees rejected baptism.
Bible Example: The thief on the cross
Conclusion
Baptism is a means of grace. Through Baptism Christ makes people His disciples, as He says in teh Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). In His Word He attaches the promise of forgiveness, life and salvation to Baptism, and He holds himself to that promise. Therefore, we should want our children to enjoy the blessings of this Sacrament soon their birth.
Hymn
He that believes and is baptized
Shall see the Lord’s salvation;
Baptized into the death of Christ,
He is a new creation.
Thorugh Christ’s redemption he shall stand
Among the glorious heav’nly band
Of ev’ry tribe and nation. (ELH 241:1)
Bible Readings
At home:
In class: