Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” [Mt 28:18–19] In the last chapter of Mark our Lord promises, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” [Mk 16:16] And the apostle Peter has written, “Baptism now saves you.” [1 Pt 3:21]
The Word of God also teaches that we are all conceived and born sinful and are under the power of the devil until Christ claims us as His own. (“Rite of Holy Baptism”, Lutheran Service Book, p. 268)
Baptism makes disciples (Mt 28:19)
Jesus wanted all nations baptized (Mt 28:19)
Jesus wants little children brought to him (Mk 10:13–14), even infants (Lk 18:15–16)
The promise of Baptism is also for these children (Acts 2:38–39)
Children and infants can have faith (Ps 8:2)
Baptism gives the Spirit (Acts 2:38; Tit 3:5–6)
There are not two Baptisms (water and Spirit), but one water-Spirit Baptism (Gen 1:2; Eph 4:5; Jn 3:5)
Baptism gives forgiveness of sin (Acts 2:38)
Baptism saves (1 Pt 3:21)
Baptism gives Christ’s own righteousness (Gal 3:27)
Baptism gives Christ’s death and resurrection (Rom 6:3–4; Gal 2:20)
If you want more information on Holy Baptism and its meaning,
check out the Small Catechism.
Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church 