Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 9:15

Click for large image

Click above for larger graphic  • Image  • Index of Scripture graphics and posts

  Click for audio of today's lesson.

From the Word: And for this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, because a death has occurred for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, so that they who have been called may receive the promise of the everlasting inheritance. (Hebrews 9:15)

From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, The Sacrament of Holy Baptism

What is Baptism?

Baptism is not merely water; it is water used according to God’s command and connected with God’s Word.

What is this Word of God?

It is the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in the last chapter of Matthew: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

Pulling It Together: All our sins are drowned in Christian baptism, for the “old man” was buried with Christ in his death (Rom 6:3). At first blush, this hardly seems fair. How may the sins of the entire human lineage be satisfied by the death one person? Yet, God is just to do this because it is his own death that secures an eternal redemption (Heb 9:12) for all who are called: all who believe Christ’s call for them.

The Lord’s voice is upon the waters (Psa 29:3). Do you hear him calling? Do you believe his word spoken for you over the waters of baptism? If so, then you are alive in Christ, even though you were dead in your sins (Eph 2:5). That dead man lies at the bottom of the font. You are raised with Christ to the New Covenant life (Rom 6:4).

Prayer: I remember you this day, Lord, and your death for my life. Amen.

Receive these daily Sola Devotions by email. Write mryman@solapublishing.com with "Subscribe" as your subject. To unsubscribe, send an email to the same address with "Unsubscribe" as your subject.

Connections Magazine features articles that connect Lutherans to the Word. Luther's Small Catechism provides inspiration for confessional, biblical content, delivered in a stylish, readable design.

The next issue of Connections (March/April 2020) will be built around the Eighth Commandment.


Share this post


Click Here For Content Archives