I'm not a Lutheran, and I'm not here to debate. I would just like to have some Lutheran clarify what appears to me to be contradictions in the Lutheran faith so I can have a Lutheran understanding of Lutheranism.
Concerning Infant Baptism:
And if infants are saved apart from hearing the gospel, then what of Rom 10:13,14
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?
And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
Frequently Asked Questions | Doctrine - The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod says,
"Baptism through the Word creates the faith necessary to receive salvation for infants."
What does "through the Word" mean in the context of infant baptism?
It also says on that site
, "It must be remembered that the only theological distinction between the spoken Word of the Gospel and Baptism is that the sacrament includes a visible element; hence, our Lutheran fathers commonly spoke of Baptism as “visible Gospel.”"
Seems to me there's a big difference between the two. One involves hearing actual words and believing them. The other, as in the case of infant baptism, has nothing to do with hearing words and believing those words, but simply involves getting wet in a religious ceremony.
What do Lutherans actually mean by "faith" in the context of infant baptism? They claim faith is impart to the unbelieving infant in an involuntary action, but what is that "faith"? What do you mean by "faith"?
Is salvation contingent upon one's involvement in a religious ceremony? If so what's the difference with those who claim that one must be circumcised to be saved? Is it simply that the ceremony is different? Is that it?
Concerning "Decision Theology"
Sola fide - Wikipedia
Lutherans reject the "decision theology" which is common among modern evangelicals.
Yet Luthers believe that a person can "decide" not to believe, thus viewing salvation as contingent upon one's "decision". Can a Lutheran resolve this apparent contradiction?
There are a few things worth talking about in order to understand infant baptism correctly. Then maybe we can appreciate that the statements you found does makes sense, in the context they're used.
1. Faith is a free gift from God, lest anyone should boast. It's not something we produce or choose. We are dead in our sins and unable to approach God through any kind of works. God is the one who reveals Himself to us - we don't discover God by our own means. Everything we can know about God, He has graciously revealed to us - particularly through His Son, whom the fullness of the Deity dwells bodily. We may love God, but God loves us first.
Ephesians 2:1 Ephesians 2:8 1 John 4:19 Colossians 2:9
2. Holy Baptism is also a gift from God. It's not just mere water, but water comprehended in God's command, and connected with His Word. It's instituted and commanded by God as means for our salvation; it works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe. Though the water is ordinary water, by the added Word and command of God makes it divine - a Holy Baptism.
Acts 2:38 Romans 6:4 Galatians 3:27 1 Peter 3:21 Ephesians 4:5
3. Throughout the ages God has consecrated and welcomed all people, of all ages, including little children. Just look at the Old Covenant of circumcision, which is an outward symbol also apprehended in faith - yet it was not only given, but commanded for children.
Likewise, when Christ commands "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", this includes children. Furthermore, consider the symbol of being born - how can anyone choose or work their way to be born? We are born of water and the Spirit only by God's good grace.
John 3:5 Matthew 28:19
4. Faith is planted in us, and Baptism is given to us, but also, from Scriptures we see that parents can dedicate children to God. Christ certainly welcome children.
1 Samuel 1:21-28 Matthew 19:14
All of this can be expanded on a great deal - especially with regards to free will and the nature of the sacraments - but taken together, you may sum it up as: God reveals himself, gives faith, cause Baptism and work salvation. We are entirely passive, and we may only obey our Lord Jesus Christ and trust in the promise that is in Holy Baptism.
Very quickly regarding free will - the Lutheran stance is simple, though a paradox - simply because this is what the Bible offers, however, this shouldn't really cause alarm, for we know God is good and works all things for good.
It goes like this: Our salvation is entirely from God. Our damnation, however, is entirely our own fault. Many have wrestled with this and tried to reconcile these two truths through reason, but Scripture doesn't provide a solution - only a firm promise, which is Christ Jesus.