Concerning Baptism – part 1
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Acts 16:30-33
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
The Ninth Article has been approved, in which we confess that Baptism is necessary to salvation, and that children are to be baptized, and that the baptism of children is not in vain, but is necessary and effective for salvation.
Pulling It Together: As has been stated here before, baptism is mere water unless the word of God is added to that water. Baptism is effective for salvation only when the word of promise is added to the water. So it is at the moment of baptism and so it is throughout life. A person must be nurtured by the word of God at all points in life. When a child, or anyone else in a household or family, is baptized, the will of God, the promise of God’s salvation, is realized. The work of salvation continues however, as the word must abide with the water throughout one’s life. We affirm God’s word and salvation each time we give thanks that we are baptized.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that I am baptized. 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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