Romans 6:1-11—Paul will explain both the when and how of the
Christian’s death to sin. Baptism is a means by which we enter into a vital
faith relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a means of receiving God’s grace,
and it depicts graphically what happens as a result of the Christian’s union
with Christ. Through faith we are united with Christ, just as through our
natural birth we are united with Adam.
As we fell into sin and became subject to death in
father Adam, so we now have died and been raise again with Christ – with
baptism effects.
This is what the Catechism teaches.
As the head of the family should teach it in a simple
way to his household
What is
Baptism?
Baptism is
not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and
combined with God’s word.
Which is
that word of God?
Christ our
Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “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
What
benefits does Baptism give?
It works
forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal
salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.
Which are
these words and promises of God?
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be
saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” -Mark 16:16
How can
water do such great things?
Certainly not
just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along
with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s
word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a
Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new
birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three: “He 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 heirs having the hope of eternal
life. This is a trustworthy saying.”
-Titus 3:5–8
What does
such baptizing with water indicate?
It indicates
that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned
and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge
and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
Where is
this written?
St. Paul writes in Romans chapter six: “We were therefore buried with Him 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[1]
Most merciful God, You gave Your eternal Word to
become incarnate of the pure Virgin. Grant Your people grace to put away
fleshly lusts that they may be ready for Your visitation; through Jesus Christ,
our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
forever. Amen.[2]
[1] Luther’s Small Catechism © 2017 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis
[2] Collect for the Epiphany season, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
The Baptism of Jesus copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
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