The Gift of Eternal Life in the Water
Imagine a doctor so gifted that he could prevent death and even raise the dead to life forever. People would do anything to see him! Yet in Holy Baptism, God actually gives this very gift—eternal life—through simple water joined to His powerful Word. Baptism is not human invention but a divine miracle where God Himself acts to give forgiveness, life, and salvation.
What Is Baptism?
Baptism is not “just plain water.” It is water included in God’s command and combined with His Word. Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19:
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
The water by itself has no power. But when God’s Word is joined to it, Baptism becomes a life-giving water rich in grace. In it, God the Father adopts us as His children, the Son stands with us in the water, and the Holy Spirit fills us with His presence. We are born again of “water and the Spirit” (John 3:5).
What Does Baptism Do?
In Baptism, God promises three great gifts:
-
Forgiveness of sins
-
Rescue from death and the devil
-
Eternal salvation
Jesus declares, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). Through this sacred act, God cleanses us from all sin, snatches us from Satan’s power, and gives us everlasting life. It’s not a symbol of our faith but the means by which God delivers the blessings of Christ’s death and resurrection to us personally (Galatians 3:27; Titus 3:5–7; 1 Peter 3:21).
How Can Water Do Such Great Things?
The power of Baptism is not in the water itself, but in the Word of God joined to it and the faith that trusts that Word. As St. Paul writes in Titus 3:5–7:
“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit … so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs of eternal life.”
God is the active one in Baptism. It is not our declaration of faith, but His action upon us—a washing, a new birth, a bestowal of grace. Baptism is God’s way of bringing the cross and resurrection of Christ directly to each believer.
Dying and Rising with Christ
Baptism joins us to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Romans 6:4 says,
“We were buried with Him through Baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead … we too may live a new life.”
When we are baptized, our “Old Adam”—our sinful nature—is drowned. A “new man” rises daily to live before God in righteousness and purity. Baptism gives us courage to say, “I am baptized!”—even in the face of death itself—because Christ has already been there and conquered the grave.
Martin Luther called Baptism “a treasure which God gives us and faith grasps”, saying, “No greater jewel can adorn our body and soul.” It unites us to the crucified and risen Lord.
Living from Your Baptism
Baptism is not just a past event—it shapes our entire life. Whenever guilt, temptation, or fear assail us, Luther urges Christians to “pull out their Baptism and wave it under the devil’s nose,” saying, “I am baptized. I belong to Christ.”
Every day is a return to Baptism—a renewal of repentance and faith. As Luther said, “If you live in repentance, you are walking in Baptism.” The baptized life is a daily dying to sin and rising to new life through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Why Baptize Infants?
Infants are baptized for the same reason adults are—because of God’s command and promise. Jesus includes children when He says, “Baptize all nations” (Matthew 28:19), and He invites them to Himself (Luke 18:15–17).
Even infants are sinners and need what Baptism gives: forgiveness and new life. God’s Word is powerful enough to create faith in them, just as it called creation into being and brought Lazarus out of the tomb (John 11:43–44). Baptism is not our act of obedience but God’s gracious work.
When churches deny Baptism to infants, they deny God’s promise that “the promise is for you and your children” (Acts 2:39) and that “Baptism now saves you” (1 Peter 3:21). To withhold this gift is to withhold the comfort and power God freely offers.
The Lasting Comfort of Baptism
The blessings of Baptism never wear out. Luther wrote,
“Baptism snatches us from the jaws of the devil and makes God our own, overcomes and takes away sin, and daily strengthens the new man.”
Baptism marks us as God’s own forever. It is the ongoing promise of victory over sin, death, and the devil. Even in suffering or doubt, we can return to that promise—“I am baptized”—and know that we belong to Christ, who will bring us from this life into eternal glory.
Conclusion
The meaning, power, and comfort of Holy Baptism rest entirely on Jesus Christ—His perfect life, His death for sinners, and His resurrection from the dead. In Baptism, all that He accomplished is made yours personally.
Thank God for the gift of Holy Baptism! It is not a ritual to perform or a symbol to remember, but a living promise that brings forgiveness, faith, and eternal life to all who believe.
0 Comments