Grace Notes 2025-04-30

Some Church bodies emphasize baptism as being more central than do others. Confessional Lutherans clearly fit in the camp that makes a big deal over baptism.

Those who differ with this emphasis often do so with several objections. They worry about putting too much attention on an outward act. They charge that baptism has become a substitute for faith. And they argue that it is Christ’s death on the Cross, and not baptism, that saves us.

These objections can be answered quickly. First, Christ’s death on the Cross is an outward act, external to us. We certainly are not saved by any inward act we do! Second, it is with faith that we beneficially receive the gift of salvation. Baptism is simply a God chosen way of delivering the gift to us. And third, baptism, just as with the preaching of the Gospel, saves not as a substitute for Christ’s death, but as an instrument of delivering the benefits of the Cross to us.

It is worthwhile to consider the Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 6 as to the importance of baptism. The Apostle writes, “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Rom 6:4-5).

Jesus’ parting farewell to the disciples in Matthew’s Gospel include these words, “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” (28:19).

As Lutherans we need to be aware of the difference of saying “I was baptized”, with “I am baptized”! To say the latter indicates ongoing repentant faith and walking in newness of life. God initiates the work of our salvation. He also enables our response with repentant faith.

Since You Asked

What is meant by the term “liturgy”? (from the Greek, “work of the people” or “public service”): more than a set form of service or one particular service, the liturgy is the whole body of texts and music used for the worship of God. The Lutheran Service Book is the liturgy of LCMS, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and we call the Liturgical Service “The Divine Service” for the Lord serves us with forgiveness, in Word and Sacraments, in the liturgy.

Our Lutheran liturgy involves the participation of all who are gathered: clergy, worship assistants, and laity. Worship is not a spectator sport. We have been gathered by God to receive from Him. And so, in reverence, we give thanks by offering praise and thanksgiving to our Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Liturgical worship helps us all share in this.