What is Baptism?

We baptize people of all ages!

Want to know more about the Lutheran perspective of Baptism? Watch this video:

… baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ…

1 Peter 3:21

Why do we baptize?

Christian churches practice baptism because the Scriptures command us to.  More specifically, Jesus Himself commands His disciples to go out into the world and to build the church through baptism and the teaching of God’s Word – this command stands true for us today.  Followers of Jesus not only receive baptism, but they see to it that others receive it as well.  (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38)

What happens in baptism?

The Bible tells us plainly that “baptism…now saves you.”  That is, in the act of baptism, God is doing His saving work of instilling faith.  And as a result, the one who receives it has the promise of a “good conscience toward God” and he/she is connected to Jesus’ death and resurrection.  That is, through the faith received in baptism all of the work that Jesus did in dying on the cross and rising from the dead is credited to me; namely, forgiveness of sin, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of eternal life.  In other places, Scripture tells us that in this baptism the old, sinful, unsaved person is drowned and died and is born again and becomes a new, forgiven, follower of Jesus.  (John 3:3-7, Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:21)

Perhaps the clearest text outlining the sacrament of baptism is found in the book of Acts.  Here, the Apostle Peter follows up the very first Christian sermon with a call to baptism.  In doing so he tells the wondering crowd what God will accomplish in their lives through simple water and His Word.

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Acts 2:38-39 

Here we see baptism connected to both the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Likewise, Peter is clear in saying that baptism is a gift that can and should be given to the whole family.  Lastly, Peter says that baptism is not merely a human rite or a means by which humans show their commitment to God, but hat God Himself draws, or “calls” us to baptism; indeed, baptism is something God does to us.  Bottom line; in baptism God grants and confirms a saving relationship of faith and trust in the work of Jesus.