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Simplified view of Lutheran Baptism

CanIHunt

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Hello, I am hoping to learn more about the Lutheran view on Baptism. I think I understand the arguments for why a person is baptized as an infant, so I am not asking about that component of the belief.

Instead, I am wondering if summary is correct for all Lutheran Churches?

Lutherans believe a person is saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus alone. Faith comes by hearing. Jesus Himself commands Baptism. Baptism is used together with the Word of God. Therefore Baptism with the Word are two of the ways God creates or strengthens grace in a persons heart. Baptism is a powerful means of grace, but is NOT necessary for salvation.

Thanks.
 

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That seems to be a very good summary. I would only quibble that for Lutherans Baptism is not just the application of water to an individual, but is the Word of God along with and included in the application of water. The Word and the water are one thing, and that thing is Baptism.

You may have seen this already, but Luther gave a very good summary of what Baptism is in his Small Catechism,

What is Baptism?
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.” (Matt. 28:19)

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)

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, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three: “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. This is a trustworthy saying.” (Titus 3:5–8)

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?
St. Paul writes in Romans chapter six: “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.” (Rom. 6:4)

From Luther’s Small Catechism © 1986 Concordia Publishing House, cph.org
 
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It is necessary, but not absolutely necessary. You have to be careful not to think of one of the means God uses to save as a prerequisite for salvation, or else you have turned Gospel into Law. There are many unfortunate scenarios that could lead to one not being baptized, most involving sudden and unplanned death. Still, it should only be due to extreme circumstances that a believer would not ever receive God's gifts given in Baptism.
 
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