Baptism Part 1
What is Baptism?
Answer - Baptism is not simple water only, but it is the water
comprehended in God's command and connected with God's Word.
Which is that word of God?
Answer - Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Matthew: Go ye
into all the world and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
It is Christ Himself who speaks the command to make
disciples of all the nations. This includes all peoples old and young alike. We
do this by baptizing and teaching all that Christ has commanded us. Since it is Jesus who has given the command
to baptize, to reject baptism is to reject Christ. The word “ye” speaks not
only of the disciples who were present when Jesus gives this command but all
Christians living at all times and in all places as Jesus has promised, “I am
with you always.”
Jesus gives the command “to observe all things whatsoever I
have commanded you.” And one of these things is Baptism. Thus, the Christian
Church is by Christ commanded to baptize. We have no other option. Christ has
given us His command to baptize, but He has also given us the promise of the
blessings of baptism.
Merciful Father, through Holy Baptism You called us to be
Your own possession. Grant that our lives may evidence the working of Your Holy
Spirit in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control, according to the image of Your only-begotten Son,
Jesus Christ, our Savior
Collect for Life as a baptized child of God, Lutheran Service Book, © 2008 Concordia
Publishing House, St. Louis
Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS
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