Monday, March 19, 2012

Monday of Lent 4



Baptism Part 2

What does Baptism give or profit?

Answer - It 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.

Which are such words and promises of God?

Answer - Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Mark: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.



Jesus gives us His promise – he that believes and is baptized shall be saved. This was the message of those first disciples. On the day of Pentecost Peter’s message was simple – “repent, be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus, for the remission of your sins.” (Acts 2:38) God has promised us that all our sins are covered. What a relief, God has promised us full forgiveness for all our sins. Paul reminds us, “Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:26, 27) As we have been baptized we have received both the benefits and the merits of Christ. By His suffering and death Jesus has earned these blessings for us. In baptism, these blessings become our own.

Sin disturb my soul no longer; 
I am baptized into Christ!
I have comfort even stronger; 
Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice.
Should a guilty conscience seize me, 
Since my Baptism did release me
In a dear forgiving flood, 
Sprinkling me with Jesus’ blood

God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It stanza two, Lutheran Service Book, © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

No comments: