The gift of Baptism

Acts 2: 38 And Peter said to them, “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. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 

I was on the receiving end of a request to be Re-baptized. It was from someone who has been visiting with us recently, a young woman who had been sheltered in a nearby house (usually from domestic violence). She was about to leave with family coming to get her and she was thankful for the welcome she had received at Redeemer.

She shared that she had been baptized when she was twenty. It had been in the name of the Father, and of the Son, & of the Holy Spirit. That’s a trinitarian baptism recognized throughout Christendom.

I suggested that our confession is an acknowledgement of one baptism for the

remission of sins (Nicene Creed). Furthermore, I emphasized that it’s a promise God makes. In this sacrament God welcomes us into a covenant. The wonderful assurance in this is that God does not renege on His promises. This promise is always in effect! There is no need to do it again, for God is good as His word.

This sacrament differs from the other means of grace. Baptism is a

one time event, not needing to be repeated. The Word of God we are meant to hear time and time again. Similarly, the words of institution in Holy Communion are quite specific about the repetition of this reception: “Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me.” 1 Cor. 11:25 “As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. “1 Cor. 11:26

            I followed this instruction with some questions. Does she believe Jesus died in payment for her sins and rose for her to have eternal life? She does. Well, that’s the faith which baptism fosters. That’s what saves!

So, we did a recognition of baptism. It’s a service in our Agenda. It’s also in the orders for chapel at Concordia Lutheran School.

            I pray that daily you take comfort in remembering your baptism. Luther’s suggestion is a helpful one in my mind – awakening, making the sign of the cross before you and remembering that you’ve been baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.