Baptism (Part 1)

†  Reflecting on Holy Baptism  (Part 1)   †

Suppose for a moment that there was a doctor who had such incredible talent that he could prevent people from dying, and bring those who had died back to life, never to die again.  Just imagine how people would do whatever they could to be treated by this doctor!  Now consider that in Holy Baptism, God actually does give us the gift of eternal life!  Let’s learn more about this marvelous blessing.

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. 

What’s so special about a handful of simple water?  Nothing, until God connects His Word to it!  In Baptism, that is exactly what God is doing.  He combines His life-creating and life-giving Word with the waters of Holy Baptism, and thereby we are born again of water and the Spirit (John 3:5). 

What 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” (Matt. 28:19).   

Our Lord commands Baptism.  It is not optional, nor is it simply a nice “extra.”  God’s Word takes on many forms, according to His good and gracious will.  The Word is preached, taught, and proclaimed.  It is read, studied and meditated on.  It is shared by Christians, with non-Christian and fellow believer, alike.  And it is that Word of God, His promise, that makes Baptism what it is.        

God Himself is present as His name is joined to the water, with all His power and all His blessings of forgiveness, life, and salvation.  Christ consecrates the water of Baptism with His Word, so as we in Baptism stand with Christ in the water, the Father calls us His beloved children, the Holy Spirit is given to us, and heaven is opened to us. Those who receive Baptism after they have been brought 

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).

In and through Baptism, God cleanses us from all of our sins, snatches us from the power of Satan, and gives us ever- lasting life. It is all God’s doing as He gives us His blessing. It is His promise. In Baptism, our Triune God imparts to each of us personally the gifts the Lord Jesus Christ won for the world through His life, suffering, death, and resurrection. Please see especially Gal. 3:27; Col. 1:13–14; 1 Peter 3:21; Titus 3:5–7 and 1 Cor. 6:11.

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, chap- ter three: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal in 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).

Of course, simple water can’t do such great things, but the water of Baptism is not simple water! Baptism is one very special way God delivers to us the blessings Christ won for us. Baptism is not something we do, but something God does. Therefore, it is far more than a symbol. It is a sacred act in which God Himself is at work forgiving sins, giving new life in Christ and bestowing on us the Holy Spirit with all of His gifts. Baptism gives us the faith through which we receive these gifts. God the Holy Spirit works faith in the promises attached to Baptism.

Dr. A.L. Barry’s “What About Holy Baptism?”