The Small Catechism – part 195
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:5–6
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: There is one thing that pleases God: faith in him — faith in his existence and faith in his grace. Abel brought an offering to the Lord, having faith in God instead of a confidence in his offering, and so, his offering was acceptable or pleasing. Cain brought his offering without faith in anything but his gift, and thus, his religious deed did not please God and was rejected. We too, must be careful, lest we relegate our baptisms to the fate of Cain. Baptism is not a religious work that satisfies God. It is faith in God’s grace working in the prescribed water that propitiates God. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, no matter the deed.
Prayer: Give me enough faith, Lord, to follow you always. Amen.
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Author
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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