In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
The strange regalia of the Kingdom of Heaven. In the World, a king is robed in
Baptism; it is an essential possession of the Christian. A possession that, I submit according to the Lutheran way of speaking, defines the Christian as Christian.. But what kind of possession is it? What is the use or benefit, in a world of such trouble and death as ours. What is the use of splashing around barely a couple of cups of water? That may sound like a crass question
The answer comes from an extended reading of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther’s Large Catechism:
“ 7 For it is of the greatest importance that we esteem Baptism 8 excellent, glorious, and exalted, for which we contend and fight chiefly, because the world is now so full of sects clamoring that Baptism is an external thing, and that external things are of no benefit. But let it be ever so much an external thing, here stand God’s Word and command which institute, establish, and confirm Baptism. But what God institutes and commands cannot be a vain, but must be a most precious thing, though in appearance it were of less value than a straw.
9 If hitherto people could consider it a great thing when the Pope with his letters and bulls dispensed indulgences and confirmed altars and churches, solely because of the letters and seals, we ought to esteem Baptism much more highly and more precious, because God has commanded it, and, besides, it is performed in His name. For these are the words, Go ye, baptize; however, not in your name, but in the name of God. 10 For to be baptized in the name of God is to be baptized not by men, but by God Himself. Therefore, although it is performed by human hands, it is nevertheless truly God’s own work. From this fact every one may himself readily infer that it is a far higher work than any work performed by a man or a saint. For what work greater than the work of God can we do?”[1]
Everything that happens to Christ Jesus is for your sake, and He receives all things in heaven and on earth on your behalf. Thus, you have a new identity, a new reality, and a new life in Him. And when the Father looks at you, He does not behold the sinner that you are, He does not look upon your sins; He sees instead His own dear Son, and He speaks His divine blessing from an open heaven, now also to you in Christ Jesus: “You are My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
So have you also been given the Holy Spirit in your Baptism, the same Spirit who descended on Christ in the form of a dove at His Baptism. For all that He has received is given to you, as well.
Thus do you now bear in your body and soul the Spirit of God, who unites you with Christ Jesus as a member of His Body and Bride, the Church. And in this Christian Church, by and with the Word of the Gospel, He strengthens you and keeps you steadfast in the one true faith; He helps you in your weakness; and He teaches you to pray to the Lord God Almighty as your own dear Father.
But let’s be plain, there is a battle, however, which you are called to engage. A battle not against principalities and powers but against your own fallen flesh and sinful heart. It is a battle not won by any good intentions or firm resolve on your part. The discipline of your body and life is solely by the Word and Spirit of God. And just as Christ the Lord defeated Satan by adhering to the promises of His Father, unto His death upon the Cross, so do you triumph by clinging to the Word of the Lord which puts you to death and raises you to newness of life in Christ by repentance and faith.
You have that very same comfort in the waters of your Holy Baptism, waters encompassed by the Lord’s command and promise and administered in His Name; waters sanctified by His Baptism for you and all the people in the Jordan River. To the human eye and your fleshly senses, according to the wisdom of this world, it is nothing but a splash of ordinary water, an empty symbol, and a worthless ceremony. But to the eyes of faith, according to the gracious Will and Wisdom of God, it is a gracious water of life, a rich and full washing of regeneration. It works the forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the Words and promises of God declare: “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.”
For Christ also was baptized, once for all, the Just for the unjust, the Righteous One for all of us poor sinners, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in our flesh, but made alive in the Spirit of His God and Father. Participating in that good work of His, your Holy Baptism in His Name now saves you. Not as a removal of dirt from your face and hands, but as the testimony of a good conscience in the presence of God through the Resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead — in whose crucified and risen Body you are now seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven. By your Baptism you have died; and by your Baptism your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
In Jesus Name
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