infant baptism

[alexnbethmom]

i'm so sorry - what is "PCA"?

 

[Aibrean]

Presbyterian Church of America, not to be confused with the Presbyterian Church of the USA (PCUSA). PCUSA is more liberal.

 

[Zecryphon]

I'm want to understand how it would basically go down for someone in the LCMS in my #16 post above if they were in the same situation, but in LCMS and not PCA.

I would say go to the LCMS website and do a search or get your hands on the Lutheran Service Book and look up the procedure there. Or if you know this pastor personally, ask him how he does it in his church.

 

[Aibrean]

What I said was direct from the site (I quoted it).

 

[QuiltAngel]

What would happen in the LCMS is pretty much what I posted earlier. If this family were attending an LCMS church and were planning on joining or just had joined, any member of the family not baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit would be baptized. If they were baptized in another church and were baptized in this way, their baptism would be accepted.

My husband (also my Pastor) goes over with each set of parents for infants, or person being baptized if older, about what baptism is.

According to Luther's Small Catechism, this is what we believe and confess regarding baptism:

The Small Catechism

by Martin Luther





IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism

As the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his household.

First.

What is Baptism?--Answer.

Baptism is not simple water only, but it is the water comprehended in God's command and connected with God's Word.

Which is that word of God?--Answer.

Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Matthew: Go ye into all the world and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.


Secondly.

What does Baptism give or profit?--Answer.

It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

Which are such words and promises of God? Answer.

Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Mark: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Thirdly.

How can water do such great things?--Answer.

It is not the water indeed that does them, but the word of God which is in and with the water, and faith, which trusts such word of God in the water. For without the word of God the water is simple water and no baptism. But with the word of God it is a baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost, as St. Paul says, Titus, chapter three: By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, that, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying.

Fourthly.
What does such baptizing with water signify?--Answer.

It signifies that the old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts, and, again, a new man daily come forth and arise; who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Where is this written?--Answer.

St. Paul says Romans, chapter 6: We are buried with Christ by Baptism into death, that, like as He was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

 

[DaRev]

If someone is going to join the church, they must be baptized. Baptism is the work of God whereby one is united with Christ's death and resurrection. They are washed clean of their sin. Baptism is the sign of spiritual birth where the individual becomes a member of the family of God and the body of Christ. One cannot be a member of an LCMS church without being baptized.

In the case presented by the OP, if the children are not yet baptized, the youngest ones can be baptized anytime. The older children would be instructed to the level they can understand prior to their baptism. In the same way, adults who are not baptized go through catechesis first and then are baptized, and their baptism is also their confirmation.

 

[tagyourit]

Thanks DaRev and others. The catechism Q&A cleared helped. Just thinking outloud...

I'm starting to see Lutherans take Scripture for what is says and not try to cram it into some 'system' to support their 'theology'.

Don't know if this is an "approved" lutheran commentary, but I found the commentary on Romans 6 helpful for my understanding baptism as well.

www dot kretzmannproject dot org

Baptism is baptism is baptism, infant, household, adult, etc.

In presbyterian/reformed/calvinist circles, biblical doctrine has to fit into their 'system'.

I appreciate the simplicity of Luther(anism)

 

[Tangible]

Thanks DaRev and others. The catechism Q&A cleared helped. Just thinking outloud...

I'm starting to see Lutherans take Scripture for what is says and not try to cram it into some 'system' to support their 'theology'.

Don't know if this is an "approved" lutheran commentary, but I found the commentary on Romans 6 helpful for my understanding baptism as well.

www dot kretzmannproject dot org

Baptism is baptism is baptism, infant, household, adult, etc.

In presbyterian/reformed/calvinist circles, biblical doctrine has to fit into their 'system'.

I appreciate the simplicity of Luther(anism)

This is one of the main things that "clicked" for me too upon my first exposure to Lutheranism.

 

[alexnbethmom]

I appreciate the simplicity of Luther(anism)

This is one of the main things that "clicked" for me too upon my first exposure to Lutheranism.

yep, that's pretty much me in a handbag too....