The Small Catechism – part 203
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 9:7
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Click for audio of today's lesson.
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
"The Daily Purpose of Baptism"
What is the significance of baptizing with water?
It signifies that the old Adam in us, together with all sins and evil desires, should be drowned by daily repentance and sorrow for sin, and be put to death, and that the new person should come forth every day and rise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
Where is this written?
Saint Paul says in Romans: “We were buried therefore with him by Baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
Pulling It Together: The blind man in John 9 went to a pool called “Sent,” and was blessed with sight. We have been dispatched to a fount called Christ, and have been given new life, lived forever before God in the righteousness and purity of Christ Jesus. We begin eternal life now, putting aside our sins in daily confession, and remembering that the old Adam, our birth nature, was drowned in the baptismal waters. A new person with a rebirthed nature has come forth, and must now walk with Christ, for Jesus still beckons, “Follow me.”
Prayer: Give me the strength of your Spirit, O Lord, to walk with you in newness of life. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
Share this post
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.
Click Here For Content Archives