Unit 1 - HOLY BAPTISM
LESSON 1: GOD GIVES NEW LIFE
1. Introduction
The birth of a child is a wonderful miracle! It reminds us of God's wonderful gift of life - with all its incredible possibilities. Rebirth is a greater miracle. To be born again as a child of God is truly a miracle of God's grace. So how can Baptism work such a miracle through baptism? Baptism is a simple act: a few spoken words; some water is poured on a persons' head. Jesus has commanded us to use his Word together with water so that Baptism is a washing through which the Holy Spirit gives us new birth.
Baptism is not only water only, but it is water used together with God's Word and by his command. What is this Word? Open Your Bible to Matthew 28, read and highlight verses 19 and 20. |
God gives the Sacrament of Holy Baptism so that we may:
-become his children -grow in living as his children |
2. Baptism is a sacrament
What exactly is a sacrament? Click to enlarge the stained glass image to the left. What can you see in it? The word sacrament comes from the Greek word (original language of the New Testament) meaning "mystery"; literally "something sacred". In the Lutheran Church a sacrament is a sacred act that:
(1) was instituted by God, (2) has a visible element connected with the Word (3) offers forgiveness of sins earned by Christ. We all need Baptism. We are all born sinners; we are lost, helpless, and unable to save ourselves. Through Baptism the Holy Spirit gives us life, brings us God's love, and makes us God's children. We also call Baptism (and Holy Communion & Holy Absolution) the 'Means of Grace' - because they are the means in which the Holy Spirit brings God's grace to us. Grace of course, is God's undeserved love. |
In his small catechism Luther provided a cons ice explanation for what Baptism does: "It works forgiveness of sins, rescues us from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare" (SC, Baptism, Part 2).
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3. In the name of God
The Word of God which Jesus commanded us to use in Baptism is God's name. The name of God includes everything the Bible teaches about God. We are Baptised in the name of:
- The Father who creates and cares for us
- The Son who cleanses us from sin
- The Holy Spirit who gives us faith and makes us children of God.
4. Baptism is for All people
Jesus commanded his disciples to baptise all people. This includes adults and children who have come to the faith in Jesus. It also includes babies. Mark 10:14 we hear about Jesus' invitation for little children to come to him. 'Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God' (Mark 10:14). Jesus wants little ones to be brought to him. Babies are sinful and need forgiveness. They receive this forgiveness through Baptism, they also receive the gift of faith. It is a miracle of God's grace that both adults and children can believe. Please now watch this short Youtube Video clip of an infant being baptised.
5. Baptism and the Congregation
Through baptism a person becomes a member of God's church, and joins a Christian congregation. For this reason people are usually baptised during the worship of the congregation. The congregation joyfully welcomes the baptised person as a new member in Christ.
Christian parents have an important responsibility when their babies are baptised. They promise some important things:
Christian parents have an important responsibility when their babies are baptised. They promise some important things:
- to share the love of Jesus with their children.
- to bring them up in the Christian faith.
- to be an example to their children of what it means to live as a follower of Jesus