Remember your Baptism

Mark 1:4-11
We often speak of remembering our baptism. If you were baptised as a baby, you most likely do not remember your baptism. So, why say remember your baptism? What is your concept of baptism? Is it just a church ritual where water is placed on someone and a few words said,
or is there more to it?

Water is a means through which things are done. Without water we dehydrate. Water cleanses our bodies, our clothes, and allows life forms to exist. Water is essential and has numerous uses. In the Old Testament, water is used in a number of different ways; as God’s judgment agent (Noah and the flood), used for purification to rid ritual uncleanness. (Ezek 36:25-27), to protect health (Lev 15:08), to describe a blessing being poured out. (Isa 44:3)

Baptism is water but with God’s word attached. Baptism is ordained and instituted by God, and as such it is a central event in the life of a Christian, in which you are incorporated into the body of Christ. Although Baptism is a mystery and a matter of faith it remains a gift and is God’s work “administered with water but with the promise given in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” and grasped by our faith.

Luther in the Large Catechism states that: “baptism is to be regarded as precious and important, for in it we obtain such an in expressible treasure.” Luther continues: “Baptism promises and brings – victory over death and the devil, forgiveness of sin, God’s grace, the entire Christ, and the Holy Spirit with his gifts.

Simply put, the power, effect, benefit, fruit, and purpose of baptism is that it saves. Salvation means to be delivered from sin, death and the devil, to enter Christ’s kingdom, and to live with him forever.
Why wouldn’t you want that, and it only takes a little faith.

Pastor Darryl

Photo by kaleb tapp on Unsplash