FIRST
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)
SECOND
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
bapitzed will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." (Mark
16:16)
THIRD
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)
FOURTH
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)
Subscribe on Overcast (https://overcast.fm/itunes1437457035/wrestling-with-theology) or your favorite podcast app.
