Remember Your Baptism

Remember Your Baptism

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:1 and Hebrews 6:1-8

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

When you sin, the law will speak to your conscience; it will accuse you. The law is doing what it is supposed to do since it does not know whether you are a babe in Christ or growing in faith. Hear the full force of its accusations and do not try to soothe your conscience by doing some work of penance or being baptized again, as though that would make you clean and you could start over with Jesus. There is not enough water in the world for all the rebaptisms you will require. Neither should you cower in fear of judgment. Instead, at the moment of accusation, press on to maturity. In the very instant the devil uses the law to suggest that you are not really a Christian, thank the devil for reminding you that you are a sinner indeed, and then remind him (and yourself) that real peace of mind, heart, and conscience comes through faith in Christ — not additional baptisms or dead works. You have already been sealed with Christ in baptism and “it is impossible to repeat it anew” (Luther’s Works, vol. 29). Instead, remember your baptism — that you have already been washed, not with water but with the Word of God and the blood of a Savior. This is the response of the maturing Christian. 

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