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From the Book of Romans
St. Paul, in the sixth chapter of his letter to the Romans, outlines the basic connector of baptism. Through it,
we are connected with the cross, the empty tomb, and their benefits.
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were
baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as
Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we
will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
The Small Catechism
Martin Luther devoted a portion of the Small Catechism to explaining the sacrament of baptism.
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM
What is baptism?
Baptism is not merely water, but it is water used according to God's command and connected with God's Word.
What is this Word of God?
As recorded in Matthew 28:19, our Lord Christ said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
What gifts or benefits does baptism bestow?
It effects forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and grants eternal salvation to all who believe, as
the Word and promise of God declare.
What is this Word and promise of God?
As recorded in Mark 16:16, our Lord Christ said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe
will be condemned."
How can water produce such great effects?
It is not the water that produces these effects, but the Word of God connected with the water, and our faith which relies
on the Word of God connected with the water. For without the Word of God the water is merely water and no baptism. But when
connected with the Word of God it is a baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy
Spirit, as St. Paul wrote to Titus (3:5-8): "He saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which
he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs
in hope of eternal life. This saying is sure."
What does such baptizing with water signify?
It signifies that the old Adam in us, together with all sins and evil lusts, should be drowned by daily sorrow and repentance
and be put to death, and that the new man should come forth daily and rise up, cleansed and righteous, to live forever in
God's presence.
Where is this written?
In Romans 6:4, St. Paul wrote: "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from
the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
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What do Lutherans believe about
Baptism?
Why do Lutherns baptize infants?
These are excellent questions that can generate hours of
great discussion. Link here to go to the ELCA web site that addresses these issues.
Why does Our Savior's only baptize
during worship?
Baptism is a sacrament that belongs to the Church, that is,
the people of God joined together in the Body of Christ. Rising from the waters of baptism, a person belongs to the
Church of every time and place, and the person belongs to a congregation, a local expression of Jesus Christ and Christ's
people.
As such, baptism is not a private act but a communal act. Those
who are baptized, infants, children, teens, or adults, are introduced to the congregation as fellow members in the Body of
Christ, and the congregation welcomes them into the family.
Do I have to be member
of Our Savior's to have my child baptized there?
The short answer is that you do not have to be a member to
have a child baptized at Our Savior's. However, on behalf of the Church of Jesus Christ and the congregation, the presiding
pastor must feel assured that you will be active in OSLC or some other congregation so that you will fulfill your commitment
to raise and nurture the child in true Christian faith.
Baptisms for inactive and non-members must be scheduled at least three
months out from your initial contact with the church. During that time, parents are expected to exhibit their commitment
to the church, to Christ, to their discipleship, and to their promise to nurture the child in faith through regular worship
and faithful giving.
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