Luther's Small Catechism Part 26

PART FOUR.

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM.

_335. What is Baptism?_

Baptism is not water alone, but it is water comprehended in G.o.d's command, and united with His Word.

_336. What is G.o.d's command concerning Baptism?_

It is given in the words of Christ in the last chapter of Matthew:

"=All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.="

_337. In whose name then are you baptized?_

I am baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

_338. Explain this further._

In Baptism I have entered into fellows.h.i.+p with the triune G.o.d, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; I have become His own, and have been made heir of all His gracious gifts.

_339. Is the baptism of little children in agreement with Christ's command?_

Yes; Christ Himself has said: "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of G.o.d."

=Mark 10:14. John 3:5.=

_340. Who should administer Baptism?_

Baptism should be administered by the minister of the church, but when necessary it may be administered by any Christian.

_341. What benefit do we have from Baptism?_

Baptism works the forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting life to all who believe what the Word and promise of G.o.d declare.

_342. What is G.o.d's promise concerning Baptism?_

It is given in the words of Christ in the sixteenth chapter of Mark:

"=He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be condemned.="

_343. How does Baptism save us from sin, death, and the devil?_

In Baptism we come into fellows.h.i.+p with Christ, and are made partakers in His redemption.

=Gal. 3:27. As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.=

=Rom. 6:3, 4.=

_344. How can water do such great things?_

It is not water indeed that does it, but the Word of G.o.d, which is in and with the water, and faith which trusts this Word of G.o.d in the water.

For without the Word of G.o.d, the water is water alone, and no Baptism.

But with the Word of G.o.d it is a Baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a was.h.i.+ng of regeneration in the Holy Ghost.

=t.i.tus 3:5-7. According to His mercy He saved us, by the was.h.i.+ng 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.=

_345. Why is Baptism called the "was.h.i.+ng of regeneration"?_

Because the Holy Spirit in Baptism cleanses us from sin, and gives us a new spiritual life.

=1 Pet. 3:21. Baptism is not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward G.o.d, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.=

_346. Is not Baptism also called a covenant?_

Yes; Baptism is a covenant; in Baptism G.o.d gives us a new life and His grace, and we promise Him to renounce the devil, and all His works, and all his ways, and to believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

_347. Who enjoy the blessings that G.o.d promises in Baptism?_

All who remain in the covenant of their Baptism.

_348. When does he who was baptized as a child confirm the covenant of his Baptism?_

At his confirmation, when he renews the covenant of his Baptism in the midst of the a.s.sembled congregation, having first been instructed in G.o.d's Word.

_349. Is it possible to remain in the covenant of Baptism?_

Yes; by the grace of G.o.d it is possible.

=Phil. 4:13. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.=

_350. What must we do to remain in the grace of our Baptism?_

We must watch and pray, and make diligent use of the Word of G.o.d and the Lord's Supper.

_351. In what ways may we break the covenant of our Baptism?_

1. When we little by little forget our covenant, resist the Holy Spirit, and neglect prayer, so that we become more and more worldly-minded.

2. When we fall in coa.r.s.e and open sins.