|
 We in the Lutheran tradition value our Baptism with a great deal of thanfulness, joy, and reverence. We truly believe God's promises given to us in Scripture in regard to what God is doing to and for us in the waters of baptism.
We strongly encourage individuals and/or families that desire baptism to contact us as soon as possible. We would be delighted to meet with you and discuss the incredible blessings offered to us in this awesome act of God.
Please call 209-957-8750 for more information.
One of the key questions that we must ask ourselves as we learn about baptism is: Who is doing the work? Are we merely doing an act of obedience when we get baptized? Is it a symbolic act that must be eventually carried out in a Christian’s life? Or is God doing something incredible in the lives of those who are brought to the waters of baptism? The following discussion will cast some insight onto these questions.
What does the word baptize mean?
Baptism is not an English word, but is taken straight from the Greek of the New Testament in the Bible. The word means to wash, either by pouring water or by dipping. Lutherans have never been dogmatic about the amount of water, recognizing that no amount of water could cleanse a sinner. It must be God working through the water to make this happen.
What is Baptism?
We believe that baptism is not just pouring water on someone or immersing them in a tub of water, but it is water combined with God’s Word, therefore having the power of God (see Ephesians 5:25-27 for more on this). Why do Christians baptize?
Because Jesus commanded us to do so. He even gave us the formula (words needed to be spoken) by which all Christians are to be baptized. Some of Jesus' last words are recorded in Matthew 28:19, where he says, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
When Peter preached on Pentecost, those moved by his preaching asked in reference to being saved, “What then should we do?” Peter answered, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Throughout the book of Acts and the rest of the NT Christians knew nothing of being born again without or apart from baptism. This shows baptism was not just a sign, but a means of regeneration (of being reborn) to the earliest Christians.
Why do we need to be baptized? What benefits/promises does God give us in Baptism?
Scripture tells us that we are all sinful, separated from God because of our sins (Psalm 14, Romans 3:23). In Baptism we are washed clean and made children of God. There are several ways Scripture explains what occurs in baptism: Death to Life - Romans 6:3-7 Or have you forgotten that when we became Christians and were baptized to become one with Christ Jesus, we died with him? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised as he was. Our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.
- Colossians 2:11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. It was a spiritual procedure—the cutting away of your sinful nature. 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. 13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ. He forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record that contained the charges against us. He took it and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ’s cross.
- (Note: Paul here relates baptism to circumcision, an act done on the 8th day of a baby boy’s life in the practice of Judaism, then and now. We understand Paul’s lack of an age qualification for baptism in light of this passage-the promises of baptism are for people of all ages, just as the promises of circumcision were for people of all ages.)
Being Washed/Cleansed - Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit.
- 1Corinthians 6:11 There was a time when some of you were just like that, but now your sins have been washed away, and you have been set apart for God. You have been made right with God because of what the Lord Jesus Christ and the Spirit of our God have done for you.
Born Again - John 3:5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless he is born of water and Spirit.”
Becoming Part of the Family - Galatians 3:27-29 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed ( meaning offspring/child), and heirs according to the promise.
How can being washed with water do such incredible things?
It is not just the water, but God’s powerful word that accomplishes this. Ephesians 5:25-26 says “Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word.”
If God can speak the universe into existence, we can trust the promises that He speaks about concerning Baptism. We can say along with Psalm 118:23, “This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” God alone can answer Job’s question, “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean thing?” God can.
Who can be baptized?
Scripture indicates that all who repent and want to be reconciled with God can and should be baptized. It was always immediate for the early Christians. Acts 2:39 states, “This promise is to you and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Entire households were baptized by the early Christians (cf. Acts 16:33). Adults and children are welcome to be born again in the waters of baptism. (See the note on Colossians 2 above for Scripture’s silence on any age qualification for baptism.)
How does Baptism effect my daily life?
It is important to realize that Baptism is not something that happens only once, but that is always happening. We ought to daily remind ourselves and rejoice in our Baptism, celebrating the fact that we have put on Christ and have been washed of our sins.
Other Scriptures relating to Baptism:
Please read these in their contexts (at least the chapter they are in). - Ephesians 4:5
- 1 Peter 3:21
- Matthew 3:11
- 1 Corinthians 6:11
- Ephesians 5:26
- Revelation 7:14
- Hebrews 10:22
Free clipart thanks to http://www.twoheartsdesign.com/ |
