The Small Catechism – part 206
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 1:30–31
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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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: Sanctification or holiness is not something we do. Instead, Christ has become our sanctification. His righteousness is ours through faith. So is his sanctification and redemption. We do nothing to acquire these great things, except to believe. They are gifts of God because we are in Christ.
Knowing that sanctification is given by God, we should know that this new, holy nature comes forth every day from our baptisms. For baptism is not something done once, then forgotten about. Rather, baptism is done once, then remembered every day. We do well to remember daily what God has done, and is doing, in us: forgiving, perfecting, and sanctifying through Word and Sacrament all those who believe.
Prayer: Sanctify me, Lord, according to your Word. 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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