Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Acts 16:30-33

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Acts 16:30-33

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Baptism 

The Ninth Article has been approved, in which we confess that Baptism is necessary to salvation, and that children are to be baptized, and that the baptism of children is not in vain, but is necessary and effective for salvation.

Pulling It Together: As has been stated here before, baptism is mere water unless the word of God is added to that water. Baptism is effective for salvation only when the word of promise is added to the water. So it is at the moment of baptism and so it is throughout life. A person must be nurtured by the word of God at all points in life. When a child, or anyone else in a household or family, is baptized, the will of God, the promise of God’s salvation, is realized. The work of salvation continues if the word abides with the water through faith. We affirm God’s word and salvation each time we give thanks that we are baptized. 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that I am baptized. Amen.

Views of Baptism is written for a range of readers including the parent or sponsor about to baptize a child, the adult who wants to understand baptism more fully, and the professional teacher or preacher who needs the truth about baptism stated simply but backed by careful research. This books explores three views of baptism: the individual-centered view, the means-of-grace view, and the Roman Catholic view. It includes a description of how Christian baptism came to us in stages from its Jewish roots. A question and answer section addresses specific matters often raised when people contemplate baptism.


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