Baptism - Lesson 14

LESSON FOURTEEN

2003-2004

BAPTISM

I. Conclusion

A. Nearly all churches practice some form of Baptism.

B. But, differences come to surface in the sacrament in which the church’s unity has its foundation.

1. Administered for different reasons.

2. From it, different results are expected.

C. For the Reformed churches with origins in Zwingli, Calvin and Arminius.

1. Baptism is law.

2. Those practicing infant Baptism see it as a regulation necessary to provide cohesion to Christian community.

3. Others advocating age of reason insist on immersion.

4. Both agree that salvation can not be found in or attached to the water.

5. See it in terms of the future (it anticipates faith not present in case of infant, but which they hope will arise at time of reason and maturity.)

D. For Roman Catholics

1. See Baptism as necessary for salvation.

2. Have preserved the ancient baptismal liturgies and practices.

3. But, see it only as the first of the other necessary church rituals of Confirmation, Penance and Last Rites which supplement Baptism.

4. For them, the Eucharist is the sum and summary of faith (honor Lutherans give to Baptism).

5. See Baptism in terms of past tense (forgives original sin and sins already committed).

E. For Lutherans

1. Baptism embraces past and future sin.

2. And continually creates the faith which it requires.

3. At every stage of life, Baptism is the constant divine reality for believers.

4. Baptism should permeate all Christian life and so stand at the foundation of our sacramental theology and practice.

5. Baptism is understood as a totally Christological act.

6. It is the summary of the Christian faith and the history of salvation.

II. Closing thoughts

A. “Therefore, when I ask what Baptism profits, bestows, and works, it is the same as if I ask what the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit work, give, and effect in Baptism and through Baptism. And Scripture speaks both ways, that God saves us through Baptism.” (Martin Chemnitz, Loci, p. 729)

B. “When our last hour comes, we intend to clothe ourselves in the vestment of baptismal grace and hear the absolution of faith and pass away.”

(What Luther Says, Baptism, no. 165, pg. 61)