Holy Baptism

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. What’s so special about a handful of simple water? Nothing,until God connects His Word to it! In Baptism,that is exactly what God is doing.He combines His life-creating and life-giving Word with the waters of Holy Baptism,and thereby we are born again of water and the Spirit (John 3:5).

Why are infants and young children baptized?

They are baptized for the same reason adults are baptized—because of the command and promise of God.What is promised in Baptism is given to all who receive it; therefore, infants and young children also have the promise of God.They, too, are made children of God.They, too, are included in the words “all nations”(Matt.28:19). Jesus specifically invites little children to come to Him (Luke 18:15–17).But most important, as sinners,infants need what Baptism gives. By His word,God created all that is seen and unseen.By His word,our Lord Christ called a dead man from the tomb (John 11:43–44).The unborn child,John the Baptist,leaped in his mother’s womb when he heard the word of God (Luke 1:41–44).Why is there any doubt that in and through the Word and the promise of Baptism,God works a similar gift of faith in the infant? If we misunderstand Baptism to be our work, then we will always cast doubt on it.When we recognize that it is not our work,but God’s gracious promise and work,we realize that infants are to be baptized and receive the treasures offered in and through Baptism. Sadly, there are individuals and church bodies that deny Baptism to young children and infants.They do not believe that these little ones need what Holy Baptism gives.They do not believe what the Bible teaches so clearly,namely,that God saves us through Baptism.As a result of these false teachings, they deny both to themselves and to others the power,blessing and comfort of Holy Baptism.That is tragic, for it is a most serious offense against God to deny what He plainly declares inHis Word: “The promise is for you and your children” (Acts 2:39) and “Baptism now saves you”(1 Peter 3:21).