Concerning Baptism – part 4
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Titus 2:11-15
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Click for a recording of today’s lesson.
From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
As it is clear that God approves of the baptism of little children, the Anabaptists believe wickedly in condemning the baptism of these children. That God approves of the baptism of little children is shown by God giving the Holy Spirit to those who were baptized as children. For if this baptism is in vain, the Holy Spirit would be given to none, no one would be saved, and eventually there would be no Church. This reason, even taken alone, can sufficiently establish good and godly minds against the godless and fanatical opinions of the Anabaptists.
Pulling It Together
God gives authority to people to speak and act in his name through Holy Baptism. The pastor seems to be the one using the water, and if that were all the pastor did then that would be all there was to see. But because the pastor baptizes in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, there is something to believe too. We see the pastor but it is God who acts. It is a blessed thing that pastors do in baptism but be sure of this: it is really God who is at work through his ministers. God is the baptizer. The Holy Spirit is given in baptism because the Holy Spirit is the giver. Salvation comes through baptism because Christ the Savior is the baptizer. The Church is built and established because the Father of us all forgives and grants new life in his kingdom. This is the grace of God that we confess concerning baptism.
Prayer: I will bless you, O Lord, and forget none of your benefits. 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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