The Small Catechism – part 192
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Hebrews 9:15
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
What is Baptism?
Baptism is not merely water; it is water used according to God’s command and connected with God’s Word.
What is this Word of God?
It is the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in the last chapter of Matthew: “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.” (Matthew 28:19)
Pulling It Together: All our sins are drowned in Christian baptism, for the “old man” was buried with Christ in his death (Romans 6:3). At first blush, this hardly seems fair. How may the sins of the entire human lineage be satisfied by the death one person? Yet, God is just to do this because it is his own death that secures an eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12) for all who are called: all who believe Christ’s call for them.
The Lord’s voice is upon the waters (Psalm 29:3). Do you hear him calling? Do you believe his word spoken for you over the waters of baptism? If so, then you are alive in Christ, even though you were dead in your sins (Ephesians 2:5). That dead man lies at the bottom of the font. You are raised with Christ to the New Covenant life (Romans 6:4).
Prayer: I remember you this day, Lord, and your death for my life. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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