Easter

“but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?” Luke 24:5

 “Why look for the living among the dead?” The women were confronted with this statement on that first Easter. So are we today. Do not seek comfort or happiness in the broken patterns of this world. Trust not in princes they are but mortal. Do not seek after riches they cannot satisfy. Do not seek after fame or recognition from others, it’s a fleeting thing. Jesus came to give us life, abundant life. This life is found in His resurrection from the dead. Life has purpose and meaning because He alone is the author of life and our lives are realized in Him. In Christ is life and you will find your centered in Him who is the way the truth and the life.

Almighty God, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life. We humbly pray that we may live before You in righteousness and purity forever, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Easter Sunrise, Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

Holy Saturday

“When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished’, and He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” John 19:30

Salvation was completed at the cross. It was proclaimed made known in the resurrection. When we use the word “finished”, it tends to point to either a failure as in “I’m finished with you!” or a success, such as, It’s completed! What do these words of Jesus mean? What has been “finished”, and what does that mean?

One word is clear enough. “Is” is definite. When Jesus says something, He makes it so. He does it for even bigger things like forgiveness, commanding the weather, healing the sick. So, whatever is finished, really is done.

Does Jesus mean His life on earth is finished? No, because we know that His death was not the end of everything.  He rose to new life. In the same way, we do not have to remain stuck in Good Friday, but can live in the resurrection life of Easter morning.

Abide with us, Lord, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. Abide with us and with Your whole Church. Abide with us in the end of the day, in the end of our life, in the end of the world. Abide with us with Your grace and goodness, with You holy Word and Sacrament, with Your strength and blessing. Abide with us when the night of affliction and temptation comes upon us, the night of fear and despair when death shall come. Abide with us and with all the faithful through time and eternity.

Collect for Easter Eve LUTHERAN WORSHIP © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

Good Friday

“After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), ‘I thirst.’ “- John 19:28

One can only imagine the personal sufferings of Jesus on the cross. There is trauma on a number of levels. Jesus suffered sleep deprivation, the trauma of four trials; three Jewish and one Roman.  For a period of roughly twenty-four hours, he was beaten flogged; spat upon, humiliated and mocked. Jesus shows us that there is human suffering on the cross as he cries His fifth word: "I thirst!"

In our day and time, we strive to alleviate pain. We can do this with continuous dosages of morphine. The Romans of Jesus' day the focus was on inflicting pain and making a science out of it. Once I remember a twenty-six year old medical school resident at the Indiana University medical center telling a parent not to trust any pain medication older than him.  Modern man is fixated on relieving pain. At the time of Christ, the Romans spent decades perfecting the craft of human torture through the art and craft of crucifixion. As Jesus cried from the cross "I thirst" He was ravaged by extreme physical pain.

Fulfilled prophecy authenticates Christ.  If Jesus were to fail in any of the clear Old Testament prophecies, which predict what the Son of God would do, Jesus would be considered a fake, a fraud, a false Christ. Yet because prophecy has been fulfilled, we can say with Thomas "Jesus you alone are my Lord and my God!"

These words spoken from the cross: "I thirst" shows the extent of Jesus' human suffering. It helps us endure our own hurts and pains and authenticates Christ as our one and only Messiah - the Savior of the world.

Almighty God, graciously behold this Your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, to be given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death on the cross; who now lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS
Collect for Good Friday, LUTHERAN WORSHIP © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Maundy Thursday

“but standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.”  John 19:25-27

In the midst of His suffering Jesus reaches out to two of His closest associates a dear friend and His own mother.  Mary is suffering as she watches from a distance.  Simeon of old had predicted that a sword would pierce her own heart when Jesus was but eight-days-old. That prediction is now her reality.

In singling Mary out Jesus turns her over to John. John has received a stepmother. Mary a stepson. John will now have the responsibility to care form Mary as his own mother. This is the 4th commandment - the honor and care of parents.  Jesus would not be able to physically care for His mother so He chooses John.

By these words Jesus demonstrates proper families regard. Parents own children spiritual and physical care, love and support.  Children owe parents love, honor, service, obedience. When they are older physical care and support.  Jesus by these words demonstrated deep concern for others. Half of Jesus' last words on the cross are concerned with the needs of others.  We are connected to each other by blood and by faith. May we show proper human regard especially with those from our own family.

O Lord Jesus, since You have left us a memorial of Your Passion in a wonderful sacrament, grant, we pray, that we may so use this sacrament of Your body and blood that the fruits of Your redeeming work may continually be manifest in us; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy  Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

Prayer for Maundy Thursday LUTHERAN WORSHIP © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Wednesday of Holy Week

“And He said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43

Each of us is terminal - all of us share two common realities - We're all sinners. Not a single person can claim to be perfect. Every man, every woman, every boy and every girl - we're all sinners.

The second reality common to us all is that death is a reality for each must die. "The wages of sin is death" the Bible tells us. Each of us will face our end. When we close our eyes to death then we will meet our maker. Then what?  This thief in calling out to Jesus reveals the recognition of his own guilt. He comes to the realization that he is a sinner. He comes to his senses and realizes his own mortality. In calling out to Jesus, he realizes that his sins have condemned him! All he can request is that Jesus remember him. "Lord, remember me when you enter into Your kingdom!"

Jesus' reaction reveals the nature of His work. He came to seek and to save that which is lost. He went to the bloody cross to offer us Himself as a sacrifice for sin. In Jesus Christ all sin is forgiven - period!  In speaking to this thief he shows him the reward of all who call upon the name of the Lord - they shall be saved!  Christ's reaction shows us the place of the dead believer. We shall be with Christ eternally!  Mark the Savior's words. Today you will be with Me in paradise. Death defined by the Christian is the separation of the soul from the body. Death to the Christian is our entrance into glory. Every day is a gift. Every day is an opportunity to do good, to make a difference, to dream big and to act.  In Jesus Christ our destiny is secure - make good use of the present as you anticipate eternity.

Lord, accept our prayers and worship and have mercy on us.  For us sinners, now and at all times, and at the hour of our death, for by Your death, death was abolished; have mercy upon us and grant us Your peace.

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

Tuesday of Holy Week

“And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And they cast lots to divide His garments.” Luke 23:34

As He began His passion knowing all that was going to take place; knowing all that would be required of Him Jesus took the time to pray. It is a simple prayer yet a profound petition. It gives us an overall picture of what this Jesus is all about.  Jesus - on the cross suspended between earth and heaven prays: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do". The Savior prays for all who have in any way contributed to the sin load, which brought Him to the cross. The Savior, as He prays offers up this request to the Father for you and for me.  All who are in need of the Savior's mercy are included in this petition. How good it was of the Savior to pray for you and me.  This prayer was answered as all people have been forgiven - God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son - Now, people must simply receive the forgiveness, which has already been provided. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.  "Whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life."

Father be merciful to me a poor sinful being. As Jesus prayed for mercy and for pardon so also may I learn of Your compassion.

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

Monday of Holy Week

“Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that You are the Holy One of God.” John 6:68

These words of Peter, spoken from the perspective of faith stands as a confession of that faith, “Lord to whom shall we go?”  The events of Holy Week, which culminates with the crucifixion of Jesus, leaves us with very few options. To whom shall we go. Man can look to himself with his own ideas, agendas, and plans. They cannot work. They cannot save. Therefore, we turn to Christ who has the words of eternal life. And having believed we come to know by faith that Jesus truly is the Holy One of God.  

Lord, there is no one else to whom we can turn. You have the words of eternal life. Strengthen our faith that we might believe this in time and into eternity.

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

Palm Sunday

For our sake He made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”  2 Corinthians 5:21

In order to save us, it was necessary for Jesus to suffer what we should have suffered. Jesus became a human being to serve in our place. He took on flesh and blood and became completely obedient to the Father. He took upon Himself our sin that He might be able to suffer and die in our place. To redeem us from the cruse of the Law Jesus suffered in our place. He became human, took on flesh and blood, that He might be able to die, and through His death He has destroyed the devil who had the power of death. Now you and I receive what is His all the time – the righteousness of God. Glory be to God for this great exchange!

Almighty and everlasting God, You sent Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Himself our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Palm Sunday. Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

Saturday of Lent 5

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us – for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’ –” Galatians 3:13

We find salvation only in the Gospel. It is the Gospel, which tells us that Christ has become our substitute and fulfilled the Law for us by suffering and dying for us on the cross.  St. Paul reminds us in Romans 10:4, “Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

No one can fulfill the Law either for himself or for someone else. Jesus our Savior had to be God in order that, being put under the Law, He might fulfill the Law for those who could not do it for themselves. His obedience is sufficient for all people. Jesus fulfilled the Law to the full satisfaction of God. By this obedience, we are now declared righteous before God. The writer to the Hebrew encourages us to fix our gaze upon Jesus. “O come let us fix our eyes on Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Second Sunday in Lent, Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

Friday of Lent 5

“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

To assure us of our salvation Jesus took the initiative taking to Himself our sins to Himself. Here we see God’s great exchange. Your sins are replaced with God’s perfection. This was the Father’s only plan. There is no other way. The only way for you to have your sins removed is for Jesus to take them and bear them in His own body. In this death we find life, not to be lived at our own choosing but according to His direction.  Holy Week will soon be upon us. As we mark the Savior's Passion we will find salvation offered to all who come in faith.

O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your might power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for the Second Sunday in Lent, Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

Thursday of Lent 5

How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?

It is not the eating and drinking, indeed, that does them, but the words, which stand here, namely: Given, and shed for you, for the remission of sins. Which words are, beside the bodily eating and drinking, as the chief thing in the Sacrament; and he that believes these words has what they say and express, namely, the forgiveness of sins.

Who, then, receives such Sacrament worthily?

Fasting and bodily preparation is, indeed, a fine outward training; but he is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: Given, and shed for you, for the remission of sins. But he that does not believe these words or doubts is unworthy and unfit; for the words For you require altogether believing hearts.

 When Christ tells us that His body was given and His blood was shed “for the remission of our sins” He expects us to believe this; and believing these words, we have “what they say and express namely the forgiveness of sins”. Faith is the hand that takes what the words of Christ here offer. Such faith is spiritual eating and drinking. We appropriate to ourselves the blessings of the Sacrament, while with our mouths we receive the pledge of this promise, namely, the body and blood under the bread and wine.

O Lord, our God, in Holy Baptism You have called us to be Christians and granted us the remission of sins. Make us ready to receive the most holy body and blood of Christ for the forgiveness of all our sins, and grant us grateful hearts that we may give thanks to You, O Father, to Your Son, and to the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect For the right reception of the Lord’s Supper, Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

Wednesday of Lent 5

What is the benefit of such eating and drinking?

That is shown us in these words: Given, and shed for you, for the remission of sins; namely, that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.

 These words tell us that in the Sacrament Christ offers and assures to every communicant forgiveness of all his sins. As a seal and pledge of this offer He gives him under the bread and wine the very body and blood with which He earned this forgiveness for him.

This Supper is indeed a means of grace, in which God deals with each person individually to assure him personally of the forgiveness of all his sins. We do not go to Communion to earn favor with God, but to receive from Him blessings and benefits for ourselves.

Blessed Savior, Jesus Christ, You have given Yourself to us in this holy Sacrament. Keep us in Your faith and favor that we may live in You even as You live in us. May Your body and blood preserve us in the true faith to life everlasting. Hear us for the sake of Your name.

Collect for right reception of the Lord’s Supper, Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

Tuesday of Lent 5

Holy Communion

What is the Sacrament of the Altar?

It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the bread and wine, for us Christians to eat and to drink, instituted by Christ Himself.

Where is this written?

The holy Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and St. Paul, write thus:

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread: and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and gave it to His disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.

After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Take, drink ye all of it. This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you for the remission of sins. This do ye, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.

Together with bread and wine we receive the true body and blood of Jesus. Christ took bread and gave it to His disciples, and they actually ate bread. But at the same time He informs them, “This is my body, which is given for you”. The disciples ate, together with the bread, the body of Christ; the same is true of the wine and the blood. Four things then are really and truly present and received by all communicants; bread, body, wine and blood. While we can understand the meaning of Christ’s words, we cannot comprehend it, but are to believe that Christ by His almighty power joins His body and blood to the bread and wine in the Sacrament.

It is the Word that spake it,

He took the bread and brake it,

And what the Word doth make it

That I believe and take it.

Essence of the Lord’s Supper, Luther’s Small Catechism annotated by Edward Koehler Annotations Copyright © 1981 by Concordia Theological Seminary Press

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

Monday of Lent 5

Then shall the confessor say:

God be merciful to thee and strengthen thy faith! Amen.

Furthermore: Dost thou believe that my forgiveness is God's forgiveness?

Answer. Yes, dear sir.

Then let him say: As thou believest, so be it done unto thee. And by the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive thee thy sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Depart in peace.

Absolution comes from the verb “absolve,” to “loose” and “set free”. Absolution means to declare loose and free from sin, to forgive. Absolution from the pastor does not mean that he does the actual forgiving. This only God can do.

Absolution presupposes that Christ has atoned for all your sins, and that God has forgiven them. It means that this forgiveness, which is the Gospel, is proclaimed as an accomplished fact. All the pastor does is offer, apply and assure you that your sin is gone!

Almighty God, through the resurrection of Your Son You have secured peace for our troubled consciences. Grant us this peace evermore that trusting in the merit of Your Son we may come at last to the perfect peace of heaven; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Easter Tuesday, Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Artwork by Ed Rojas, © Higher Things

Lent 5

A Brief Form of Confession.

You should speak to the confessor thus: Reverend and dear sir, I beseech you to hear my confession, and to pronounce forgiveness to me for God's sake.

Proceed!

I, a poor sinner, confess myself before God guilty of all sins; especially I confess before you that I am a man-servant, a maidservant, etc. But, alas, I serve my master unfaithfully; for in this and in that I have not done what they commanded me; I have provoked them, and caused them to curse, have been negligent [in many things] and permitted damage to be done; have also been immodest in words and deeds, have quarreled with my equals, have grumbled and sworn at my mistress, etc. For all this, I am sorry, and pray for grace; I want to do better.

A master or mistress may say thus:

In particular, I confess before you that I have not faithfully trained my children, domestics, and family for God's glory. I have cursed, set a bad example by rude words and deeds, have done my neighbor harm and spoken evil of him, have overcharged and given false ware and short measure.

And whatever else he has done against God's command and his station, etc.

But if any one does not find himself burdened with such or greater sins, he should not trouble himself or search for or invent other sins, and thereby make confession a torture, but mention one or two that he knows. Thus: In particular, I confess that I once cursed; again, I once used improper words, I have once neglected this or that, etc. Let this suffice.

But if you know of none at all (which, however is scarcely possible), then mention none in particular, but receive the forgiveness upon your general confession which you make before God to the confessor.

“I want to do better.”  That’s what we desire. We want to DO BETTER.  So often we get hung up in our quest for perfection. We can’t get over those sins which trouble us. We can’t get over those nagging and besetting sins. We can’t get past what’s in our past. So what shall we do? Do nothing. Instead, receive. Receive the gift of the Savior’s merit. Receive the gift of the Father’s love. Receive the clemency and absolution that Jesus has earned for you.  When it comes to forgiveness there is absolutely nothing that we do. We simply receive, with joy and thanksgiving.

O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us and grant us Thy peace.

Agnus Dei, Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Artwork by Ed Rojas, © Higher Things

Saturday of Lent 4

Which are these?

Here consider your station according to the Ten Commandments, whether you are a father, mother, son, daughter, master, mistress, a man-servant or maid-servant; whether you have been disobedient, unfaithful, slothful; whether you have grieved any one by words or deeds; whether you have stolen, neglected, or wasted aught, or done other injury.

St. Paul reminds us in Romans 3:20 “By the Law is the knowledge of sin.”  Consider your life lived under the Ten Commandments. What will you find?  You find failure. You find iniquity. You find you have missed the mark of God’s perfection. You find frustration, misery and sin. Repent! You can’t get around it. You can’t make excuses for yourself. You can’t work yourself out of your sin. Confess you sin and repent.

But do more than confess and repent. Believe! Believe in the Father’s promises. Believe in Jesus’ work for you. Trust the Father’s promise to forgive, restore and renew. Confession, is it good for the soul? Only so far. Absolution, the Father’s pronouncement of Jesus’ forgiveness. Grace, God’s do-over! Now that is what is good for your soul!

Almighty and everlasting God, You despise nothing You have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and contrite hearts that lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness we may receive from You full pardon and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Collect for Ash Wednesday, Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Artwork by Ed Rojas, © Higher Things

Friday of Lent 4

What sins should we confess?

Before God, we should plead guilty of all sins, even of those, which we do not know, as we do in the Lord's Prayer. But before the confessor we should confess those sins alone which we know and feel in our hearts.

But what about those sins that bother me? What about those sins with which I struggle?  What should I do when I question, wrestle, and sometimes doubt? It is at those times that we make confession before the pastor. When we confess our sins to our pastor and ask for forgiveness especially of those sins with which we struggle we receive the comforting assurance that these sins are forgiven. King David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord” And Nathan said to David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.” (2 Samuel 12:13) 

Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You graciously come before You, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Your manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Collect for the afflicted and distressed, Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Artwork by Ed Rojas, © Higher Things

Thursday of Lent 4

Confession

How Christians should be taught to confess.

What is Confession?

Confession embraces two parts: the one is, that we confess our sins; the other, that we receive absolution, or forgiveness, from the confessor, as from God Himself, and in no wise doubt, but firmly believe, that our sins are thereby forgiven before God in heaven.

These are simple yet powerful words. We confess our sins and we receive forgiveness. Daily we need plead for mercy. Daily we need to have the assurance that our sins have been forgiven. We need to be penitent sinners – sinners who feel sorry for their sins and who believe in their Lord Jesus as the only Savior.  David reminds us in Psalm 51:17 “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heat, O God, Thou wilt not despise.” When we are heart sorry for our sins ,we will readily want to confess our sin and turn away from them. Having confessed our sins, we will rejoice in hearing those wonderful word, “your sins are forgiven!” “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved”. (Acts 16:31)  Contrition and faith are the two ingredients necessary for a true confession.

O almighty God, merciful Father, I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto Thee all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended Thee and justly deserved Thy temporal and eternal punishment. But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray Thee of Thy boundless mercy and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death of Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ, the be gracious and merciful to me, a poor sinful being.

The General Confession, The Lutheran Hymnal © 1941 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Artwork by Ed Rojas, © Higher Things

Wednesday of Lent 4

Baptism Part 4

What does such baptizing with water signify?

Answer - It signifies that the old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts, and, again, a new man daily come forth and arise; who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Where is this written?

Answer - St. Paul says Romans, chapter 6: We are buried with Christ by Baptism into death, that, like as He was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Your baptism is a death certificate it is also a birth certificate. A death certificate testifies that a person is deceased, lifeless, extinct. Likewise, a birth certificate declares that a person is alive and well.

Our Baptism signifies that being buried with Christ by Baptism into death, our life of sin should cease and being planted in the likeness of His resurrection, we should walk in newness of life. Baptism is a daily reminder that we shun the old paths of sin and walk in the new way of righteousness.

Death, you cannot end my gladness; 

I am baptized into Christ!

When I die, I leave all sadness 

To inherit paradise!

Though I lie in dust and ashes 

Faith’s assurance brightly flashes;

Baptism has the strength divine 

To make life immortal mine.

God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It stanza four, Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS

Tuesday of Lent 4

Baptism Part 3

How can water do such great things?

Answer - It is not the water indeed that does them, but the word of God which is in and with the water, and faith, which trusts such word of God in the water. For without the word of God the water is simple 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 Ghost, as St. Paul says, Titus, chapter three: By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, that, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying.

 Water does not wash away our sins, only the blood of Christ can do this. “The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) Christ’s action plus faith, trusting in Christ’s work, is what produces such great blessings. We trust that what God has promise will happen to us. God’s Word not only puts these great things into Baptism but through this same Word He also operates on our hearts and works and creates saving faith.

Naaman a man afflicted with leprosy was told to dip in the Jordan River and he would be healed. (See 2 Kings 5:8-14) The promise of God was connected with the water. While Naaman had to bathe in the water it was the Word of God that really cleansed and healed him. Even so, in baptism, “without the Word of God the water is simple water and no Baptism, but with the Word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a gracious water of life”, which offers the forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil and gives eternal salvation to all who believe.

Satan, hear this proclamation;

 I am baptized into Christ!

Drop your ugly accusation, 

I am not so soon enticed.

Now that to the font I’ve traveled, 

All your might has come unraveled,

And against your tyranny, 

God my Lord, unites with me!

God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It stanza three, Lutheran Service Book © 2008 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld ©WELS