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Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God's command and combined with God's word. ••Which is that word of God? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: "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" (Matthew 28:19). ••Second What benefits does Baptism give? It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare. •Which are these words and promises of God? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16). •Third How can water do such great things? Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God's word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit. •"He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. " (Titus 3:5ó8). ••Fourth What does such baptizing with water indicate? It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. •Where is this written? "We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Romans 6:4). •The First Article: Creation I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. What does this mean? I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them. He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life. He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil. All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him. This is most certainly true. ••The Second Article: Redemption And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Plate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. What does this mean? •I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord. Who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true. ••The Third Article: Sanctification I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. • What does this mean? I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true. Our BAPTISM POLICY Baptisms are celebrated as part of our regular Sunday worship services. It is important that the congregation, which is both the baptizing Church and the receiving community, be present. As the called and ordained minister of the congregation, the pastor presides at Baptism. The pastor’s function is that of acting on behalf of the assembled Church.* Sponsors are Christian people who take responsibility for those to be baptized. Their presence emphasizes that the sacrament is closely tied to the community which we call the Church, and that the congregation undertakes a serious responsibility in obedience to its Lord. Sponsors are important, even for adults being baptized.* Sponsors should be active members of a Christian congregation. Baptism is not only a beginning; it also suggests the shape of the Christian life to follow. Those who bring infants or young children for Baptism must be prepared to become accountable for their Christian nurture. Though parents and sponsors assume that responsibility directly, the entire congregation shares it. A congregation’s program of education is rooted in its practice of Baptism.* Pastoral counseling with the parents of the child to be baptized is required prior to the baptism (usually one or two weeks prior). Covered in the counseling: meaning and purpose of baptism, the importance of baptism in the Lutheran church, and the responsibilities of parents and sponsors. Parents who are non-members and are requesting baptism for their child(ren) are encouraged to first become members or begin preparations for membership. They should be fully aware that as part of the liturgy, they will make promises to God, with the congregation’s witness and support, to bring their child(ren) to the services of God’s house. Photos during a baptism are limited to video recording from the narthex. Otherwise, photography is to occur after the service. Please reference “Photography Policy”. Honorariums or gifts are acceptable. * “By Water and the Spirit, Preparing for Holy Baptism” According to the Rite of the Lutheran Book of Worship |