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BAPTISM
Baptism is a commandment
Even though Jesus Christ lived a sinless, perfect life, He was baptized “to fulfil all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15) and to show “that he would be obedient unto [the Father] in keeping his commandments” (2 Nephi 31:7). Baptism is necessary to receive eternal life, so Jesus charged His Apostles to “teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). The Apostle Peter also made it clear that baptism is a commandment for all people: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).
Baptism is a blessing
When you are baptized, you have a chance to start a new life—one dedicated to following Jesus Christ. Your sins are forgiven, and you can rededicate yourself to making choices that lead to happiness. After you are baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, He will help, comfort, and guide you in your efforts.
The following is taken from Dr. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, Edited by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other States with Additional Notes For Students, Teachers, and Pastors by Edward W. A. Koehler D. D. Concordia Teachers Collage, River Forest, Ill.
CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRESS
Fort Wayne, Indiana
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The Sacrament of Baptism
As the head of the Family Should Teach It in a Simple Way to His or Her Household.
I. THE NATURE OF BAPTISM
What is Baptism?
Baptism is not simple water only, but it is the water comperhended in God's command and connected with God's word.
Which is that word of God?
Christ our Lord, says in the last chapter of Matthew: Go ye and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
II. THE BLESSING OF BAPTISM
What does Baptism give or profit?
It works forgivness of sins, delivers from death and the devel, and gives eternal salvation to all who beleive this, as the words and promises of God declare.
Which are such words and promises of God?
Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Mark: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damed.
III. THE POWER OF BAPTISM
How can water do such great things?
It is not the water indeed that does them, but the word of God that is in and with the water, and faith, which trusts such word of God in the water. For with out the word of God the water is simple water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is Baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost, as St. Paul says, Titus, chapter Three: (According to His mercy He saved us) By the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, that, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying.
IV. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTIZING WITH WATER
What does such baptizing with water signify?
It signifies that the Old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts and, again a new man daily come forth and arise, who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
Where is this written?
St. Paul writes, Romans, Chapter sixth: We are buried with Christ by Baptism into death, that, like as He was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
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