The Large Catechism – part 34
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Romans 1:16-17
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Large Catechism, Preface
Concerning Baptism
Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe shall be damned.
Pulling It Together: The power of Baptism is faith in the Baptizer, in God. Without faith in God’s word of promise, baptism is a ceremonial cleansing at best. But when the word of God is spoken through the water, and is received in faith, there is divine, salvific power. The one who is baptized but does not believe the promise of God’s word, is damned. But the one who believes the word of the Baptizer will be saved.
Therefore, Baptism is God’s work from start to finish. He gives faith to believe the gospel, and the faith to receive all of its promises. God’s righteousness, not ours, is revealed in Baptism, from faith to faith. Our righteousness is his, not ours, received from God through faith, as it says, “the one who is righteous through faith will live.” We are righteous because we believe his promise.
Prayer: Keep your church in steadfast faith, Lord, so that she may proclaim your word of promise to the nations. 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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