WHAT IS BAPTISM?

A. Matthew 28:19

B. Acts 22:16

WHAT HAPPENS THROUGH BAPTISM?

A. Acts 2:38

B. I Corinthians 12:13

SHOULD INFANTS BE BAPTIZED

A. Genesis 17:10-14 & Colossians 2:11-12

B. Acts 2:38-39

C. Acts 16:15 & 33

D. Titus 3:4-5

SHOULD ADULTS BE BAPTIZED?

A. John 3:5

B. Acts 2:41

C. Ephesians 4:4-5

WHO IS TO ADMINISTER BAPTISM?

A. Ephesians 5:25-26

B. I Corinthians 4:1

HOW DOES BAPTISM AFFECT OUR LIFE?

A. 11 Corinthians 5:17

B. Romans 6:4

DIVINE WORSHIP

Lutheran Worship pages 199f & 312f

The Lutheran Hymnal page 858

What are the means of grace?

Why does God command that a person be baptized?

Should infants be baptized? Why or why not?

Who is to administer baptism? Why?

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

A. Matthew 28:19 - Baptism was commanded by Christ.

Baptism contains a physical element (water) and the Word of God (I Baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost). [cf. Matthew 28:191

B. Acts 22:16 - Baptism offers the forgiveness of sins.

Note: Baptism is many times referred to as a sacrament. A sacrament is defined as follows:

A. A Sacrament is a sacred act or ceremony.

B. To be a sacrament, the sacred act must:

1. Be commanded by God.

2. Have a physical element connected with the Word of God.

3. Offer the forgiveness of sins.

C. Only two sacred acts meet such requirements: Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

The definition used in this lesson is "Means of Grace" because this definition also encompasses the Word of God and Holy Absolution.

WHAT HAPPENS THROUGH BAPTISM?

A. Acts 2:38 - A person receives the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of sins.

B. I Corinthians 12:13 - A person becomes a member of Christ's Body, the Church.

SHOULD INFANTS BE BAPTIZED?

A. Acts 2:38-39 - Peter declares that the promises connected with baptism are intended to be for both adults and children. Greek, as in the English language, has many different words for children (e.g. teenager, adolescent, baby, etc.). The Greek term translated "children" in verse 39 is the all inclusive term for children, that is children of all ages.

B. Genesis 17:10-14 - Male babies were circumcised on the eighth day after their birth in the Old Testament age - Any male that was not circumcised was cut off from God's people- (cf. vs. 14).

Colossians 2:11-12 - Circumcision was a foreshadowing of Baptism--Baptism replaced it. it would follow that just as circumcision was performed on infants (or older if necessary), so also Baptism should be.

C. Acts 16:15 & 33 - The Apostles baptized whole families and households which would have probably included infants and younger children.

D. Titus 3:4-5 Everyone needs the washing of regeneration (the new birth offered in Baptism) including children since they too are sinners.

NOTE: Many Christian denominations teach that a child should reach the age of "discernment" before they are baptized (usually about the age of 12) and should the child die before he was baptized, he would not be accountable for his sins (also called "the age of accountability"). The Bible never speaks of an age of discernment nor an age where a person is not accountable for his sins. On the contrary, by virtue of the fact children die (which is a result of sin) it is obvious that they are accountable for their sins. Also, we find God commanding Joshua to slaughter men, women and children when He led God's people into Canaan to conquer the promised land (cf. Deut. 20:16-18 & Joshua 6:21). If children aren't accountable for sins to a certain age, God would have ordained their immunity to the destruction.

SHOULD ADULTS BE BAPTIZED?

John 3:5 Jesus declared every human being should be reborn by water and the Spirit.

Acts 2:41 Adults should receive instructions prior to Baptism (Also see acts 8:26-39).

Ephesians 4:5 One need not be rebaptized when he changes denominations since there is only "one" Baptism. However, if he was not baptized with water and the Word the first time (Matthew 28:19), then Baptism should be desired.

WHO IS TO ADMINISTER BAPTISM?

Ephesians 5:25-26 God uses the Church in distributing the blessings of Baptism. Note that this passage says a person only need to be baptized with water and the Word, it does not say one must be immersed. The terms "Baptizo" in greek does not mean to immerse, but to wash. If a person wanted to be immersed, though, the Lutheran Church would grant his or her wish.

I Corinthians 4:1 The pastor should administer Baptism whenever possible. In case of an emergency, any Christian may do so.

HOW DOES BAPTISM AFFECT OUR LIVES?

II Corinthians 5:17 Through Baptism our dark past without God is washed away.

Romans 6:4 Baptism brings us a new life in Christ --- we are to strive to live a life that glorifies God.