Except during the time of Jesus’ ministry, throughout the history of the world God has communicated with only a few people directly. When God wished to communicate with his Old Testament people, he spoke to them through the prophets. When he wished to make the gospel of Jesus known to the Gentiles of the New Testament, he addressed them through his apostles. He has made it clear that when he desires to speak to people, he does so through certain divinely appointed channels. God could communicate with us directly if he wished, but he speaks to us instead through specific means--the gospel in Word and Sacraments. The purpose of this lesson is to learn the truth about two of those means, the Word of God and the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
Mk.16:15 And he (Jesus) said to them (his disciples), “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. ”
- Jesus tells us to proclaim the gospel of his gracious gift of salvation to the world.
Jn.17:20 (Jesus said,) “I do not ask for the benefit of these alone, but also for the benefit of those who will believe in me through their (the disciples’) word.”
- Jesus tells us that through the word of his disciples people will come to believe in his gracious gift of salvation.
- Since Jesus said people would believe in him through the disciples’ word, which is the Word of God recorded in the New Testament, we should not expect or teach that God will communicate his grace for salvation apart from that Word. The Word is a means God uses to communicate his grace to us people.
Mt.28:19,20 Go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them. . . teaching them. . .
- Jesus tells us that his recipe for making those future believers in him is baptizing them and teaching them. Thus the gospel in Holy Baptism and in the Word is the means God uses to communicate his grace to us people of the world.
- The gospel in Word and Sacraments (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper) are therefore called The Means of Grace. The Means of Grace are certain external, visible means God uses to communicate his grace in Christ to us. By these means he awakens, strengthens, and preserves faith in us for our salvation, and enables us to do good works.
The Truth Is: We know God communicates with us through the Means of Grace, because he tells us:
1. To preach the gospel of his grace to all people.
2. People will come to believe in Jesus through the Word.
3. To make disciples by baptizing and teaching the Word.
1 Pet.1:23 For you have been born again, . . . through the living and abiding word of God.
- Being born again and rebirth are biblical terms for conversion. We are converted and brought to faith by the Word of God.
Ro.10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing, and the hearing comes through the word of Christ.
- We are converted and brought to faith through the hearing of the Word of Christ.
1 Cor.2:4,5 . . . and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and power, in order that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
- Paul’s message in the New Testament is a means through which the Holy Spirit exercises his divine power to work faith in people’s hearts.
Ro.1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. . .
- The gospel of Christ is God the Holy Spirit’s power by which he works faith in people’s hearts.
Js.1:21 . . . humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
- The Word of God that has been planted in our heart can save us.
The Truth Is: The Word of God is truly a Means of Grace, because:
1. It converts people like us and brings us to faith.
2. Through it the Holy Spirit’s power works faith in people’s hearts.
3. It can save us.
A sacrament is a sacred act:
1. That was instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. That has external, visible, earthly elements.
3. That has God’s Word connected to those earthly elements.
4. That offers, gives, and seals the forgiveness of sins through the merits of Jesus Christ.
Note: Only two sacred acts fit this definition--the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
Mt.28:18,19 And when Jesus came to them, he spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, . . .
- After his resurrection from the dead Jesus instructed his disciples to baptize all nations.
The Truth Is: The exalted Lord Jesus Christ instituted the Sacrament of Holy Baptism when he instructed his disciples to baptize all nations.
Mt.3:11 “I myself baptize you with water for repentance.”
- To baptize means to use water.
Mk.7:4 And when they (the Pharisees) come from the market place, they do not eat unless they wash (literally baptize), and there are many other things that they have received to keep carefully, such as the washing (literally baptizing) of cups and pitchers and kettles and dining couches.
- The dining couches are included in numerous ancient Greek manuscripts. They are footnoted in the New International Version Bible, translated as “tables” in the King James Version Bible, as “couches” in God’s Word to the Nations New Testament, and as “beds” in the Revised Standard Version Bible. Dinner guests reclined on the dining couches, which were arranged around the table, to eat.
- To baptize means to wash with water, applying the water in some suitable manner, whether dipping, immersing, pouring, or wiping. Since the baptizing of dining couches was not strange to ancient Greek thinking, and since their size made immersing them in water to wash them an impossibility, it is obvious that to baptize does not mean the water can be applied only by the method of immersion.
Acts 22:16 And now why are you delaying? Get up! Be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.
- This verse clearly shows that baptizing is a washing that washes away sins.
Mt.3:11 compared to Acts 2:17 “He (Jesus Christ) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” “ ‘AND IT WILL BE in the last days, God says, ‘I WILL POUR OUT OF MY SPIRIT UPON ALL FLESH.’ ”
- The prophecy was that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. The prophecy’s fulfillment is described as a pouring out of the Spirit. To baptize, then, also means to pour out.
Mt.28:19 Go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, . . .
- To baptize means to apply the water using the Word of God in this verse, and applying the water in the name of the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Truth Is: To baptize means:
1. To use water.
2. To apply the water by any suitable means.
3. To apply the water using the Word of God “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Note: An ancient Christian writing, The Didache, among the oldest writings preserved, written about 150 A.D., explained how baptisms were performed shortly after the time of the apostles. It said to immerse in running water “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” If no running water was available, it said to immerse in ordinary water, such as a pool of standing water for an example. It even said the water should be cold if possible, otherwise lukewarm. If neither running or standing water were available, then it said to sprinkle water three times on the head “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Mt.28:19 Go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them. . .
- Jesus instructed his disciples to baptize all nations. All nations includes everyone, or all people.
Acts 2:41 Then those who had received his word favorably were baptized, . . .
- Those who desire to be baptized after hearing and learning the message of God’s Word are baptized. Adult converts are baptized after they have been instructed from the Scriptures and understand the fundamental doctrines and the meaning of their baptism.
Ro.5:18a,19a So then, as by the transgression of one man – a sentence of damnation for all men, . . . For as by the disobedience of the one man the many were declared sinners, . . .
- All people need to be baptized, because God holds the whole human race guilty of Adam’s sin.
Ps.51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.
- All people need to be baptized, because everyone has inherited Adam’s sinful nature.
Eph.2:3 And we were by nature children of wrath, even like the rest.
- All people need to be baptized, because everyone by nature is subject to God’s wrath and eternal punishment.
The Truth Is: All people should be baptized, because:
1. Jesus said to baptize all nations. We only baptize those adults, however, who desire to be baptized after being instructed from God’s Word.
2. Everyone is guilty of Adam’s sin and has inherited his sinful nature, which makes every person subject to eternal damnation.
Eph.2:3 And we were by nature children of wrath, even like the rest.
- All children are also sinners by nature and subject to the wrath and punishment of God.
Mt.28:19 Go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them. . .
- The Bible gives no specific instructions for the baptism of little children. It neither commands nor forbids their baptism. They are, however, a part of all nations, so they should be baptized.
Acts 2:38,39 Repent, and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children. . .
- Since the promise of receiving the forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit through baptism is also for the children, they too should be baptized.
Lk.18:15-17 Now they were bringing even the babies to him (Jesus), in order that he may touch them. But when the disciples saw this, they began rebuking them. Then Jesus called them to himself, saying, “Permit the little children to come to me and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child, shall absolutely not enter into it.”
- Jesus wants even the infants brought to him. No one should prevent those children from being brought to him, for the kingdom of God also belongs to them.
- Those little children can also believe in Jesus. Their faith is an example of how we adults should believe.
Mt.18:6 (Jesus said,) “. . . but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall, it would be better for him that a large millstone that must be worked by donkey-power be hung around his neck and that he be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
- Jesus said no one should prevent the children from being brought to him. They can believe in him. If God’s wrath falls on a person for causing a believing child to sin and to fall way from faith in Jesus, likewise, his wrath will fall on those who prevent a child from coming to faith in Jesus in the first place.
Jn.3:5,6 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born by water and the Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born by the flesh is flesh, and that which is born by the Spirit is spirit.”
- The kingdom of God belongs to the little children. Since the only way for them to enter it is through the baptism of water and the Spirit, they should be baptized.
- “Flesh” is a term for our sinful human nature. Sinful parents, then, give birth to sinful children. But the Holy Spirit gives birth to a new spiritual life through baptism. The children should be baptized, so they may receive this spiritual rebirth and conversion by the Holy Spirit.
The Truth Is: Little children should be baptized, because:
1. They are sinners by nature who are subject to the eternal punishment of God.
2. They are a part of all the nations Jesus said should be baptized.
3. The promise of receiving forgiveness and the Holy Spirit through baptism is also for them.
4. The kingdom of God also belongs to them, and no one should prevent their entering it and coming to Jesus.
5. They can also believe in Jesus when they have entered the spiritual kingdom of God through baptism.
Mt.28:19 Go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
- Jesus gave this command to make disciples by baptizing to his whole church of believers.
- Individual Christians may baptize in an emergency when a pastor is not present. To baptize, take plain water, and pour or sprinkle it on the head while saying, “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” If there is sufficient time an appropriate prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer, may precede the baptism.
1 Cor.14:40 Let all things be done decently and in an orderly manner.
- Baptism should be administered in a fitting and orderly manner. To prevent disorder within the church, when a congregation calls a pastor, it asks him to perform the baptisms.
The Truth Is: 1. Individual Christians may baptize in emergencies.
2. Pastors are called to perform the baptisms in behalf of the church.
Gal.3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves in Christ.
- Through our baptism we are blessed with the perfect righteousness of Christ Jesus, our Savior.
Acts 2:38 Repent, and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins,
- Through our baptism we are blessed with the forgiveness of our sins.
Acts 22:16 Get up! Be baptized and wash your sins away.
- Through our baptism we have our sins washed away and are blessed with God’s forgiveness.
1 Pet.3:20,21 . . . in which (the ark) a few, that is eight persons, were saved by water, which water also typifies baptism that now saves you. . .
- Through our baptism we are blessed with eternal salvation from hell.
Tit.3:5-7 . . . he (God our Savior) saved us, . . . by the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we may be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
- The washing of rebirth and renewal describes our baptism. Through our baptism we are blessed with being justified, declared righteous and forgiven for Jesus’ sake, and renewed to the innocence of Adam at his creation.
- Through our baptism we are blessed with eternal life and salvation.
- Through our baptism we are blessed with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
- Through our baptism we are blessed with a rebirth of spiritual life and faith.
The Truth Is: Through our baptism we are blessed with:
1. The perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ.
2. The forgiveness of our sins.
3. Salvation from eternal punishment in hell.
4. The Holy Spirit.
5. Spiritual life and faith.
6. Everlasting life in heaven.
Eph.5:25,26 . . . Christ also loved the church and gave himself up for her, in order that he may make her holy, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, . . .
- It is not the water but the Word of God that is connected with the water that gives baptism its power to impart the forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and everlasting salvation.
Mk.16:16 The one who believed and was baptized will be saved; . . .
- It is the faith that believes the Word of God connected with the water that receives the blessings being offered through baptism.
The Truth Is: The power of baptism lies in the:
1. Word of God connected with the water.
2. Faith that trusts this Word of God connected with the water.
Mk.16:16 He one who believed and was baptized will be saved; . . .
The Truth Is: Only those who believe the Word of God connected with the water receive the blessings of baptism.
Ro.9:6 But it is by no means as if the word of God had failed.
- It is unnecessary to rebaptize, because God is faithful to his Word. His Word does not fail. God does not invalidate his Word by withdrawing the blessings for salvation he had promised in baptism.
Mt.24:35 (Jesus said,) “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words shall absolutely not pass away.”
- The Word and promises of God, including those in baptism, do not pass away but remain in force forever. Therefore it is unnecessary to rebaptize.
Ro.3:3,4 For what if some did not believe? Their unbelief will not make the faithfulness of God ineffective, will it? May it never be!
- Faith receives the blessings offered in baptism. If the person who was baptized later falls from faith, by his unbelief he loses those blessings given him at his baptism. His unbelief does not nullify the Word of God in baptism, however, which offers those blessings. God’s promise to give those blessings remains in effect. If the individual should be brought to faith once again, his faith again receives the blessings offered by the Word of God in baptism. Therefore, it is unnecessary to rebaptize.
- Since a baptized child could fall from faith after his baptism, he needs to continue to receive instruction in the Word of God throughout his childhood. Baptism is not a magical gimmick that fulfills all of a child’s spiritual needs and thrusts him into heaven whether he believes or not. Parents should not think that having their child baptized fulfills all their parental responsibilities for their child’s spiritual well being. Since a child learns by his parents’ example, the parents must set a good example of regular church attendance and involvement in Bible study.
The Truth Is: It is never necessary to rebaptize because God’s Word is faithful and remains in effect.
Mk.16:16 The one who believed and was baptized will be saved; but the one who did not believe will be condemned.
- God places a great importance on baptism when he says the one who is baptized will be saved. It is not the lack of a baptism, however, which condemns, but a lack of faith. A believer could be saved if there were insufficient time to baptize him.
Lk.23:42,43 And he (the criminal on the cross next to Jesus) was saying, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
- The criminal on the cross believed in Jesus while he was on the cross. He was never baptized, yet through his faith in Jesus he received eternal life in heaven, as Jesus declared he would that very day.
Lk.7:30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected the plan of God for themselves, by not having been baptized by John.
- Because of their unbelief, the Pharisees and scribes rejected the baptism of John the Baptist and in the process they rejected God’s plan for saving them.
- The despising of baptism is a fruit of unbelief, which condemns.
The Truth Is: 1. A believer in Jesus can be saved if he dies before he could be baptized.
2. But those who refuse to be baptized will be condemned because of their unbelief.
Gal.3:26,27 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves in Christ.
- We are God’s children through faith in Jesus Christ. Through our baptism we have Jesus’ perfect righteousness and the forgiveness of our sins. Because we daily sin much, each day we can remember we were baptized and given these blessings, especially when the devil tries to trouble us with doubts about our salvation because of our many sins. We can draw much comfort from our baptism, because it is a historical fact the devil cannot undo.
Ro.6:1-4 What shall we say then? Should we persist in the sin, in order that the grace may increase? May it never be! Since indeed we died to the sin, how shall we live in it any longer? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so also we may live in a newness of life.
- Our baptism signifies we died to sin and will live a new life dedicated to God free of sin.
The Truth Is: Each day our baptism will:
1. Comfort us that as the children of God through faith in Jesus Christ we have the forgiveness of our sins and eternal salvation.
2. Lead us to live holy lives dedicated to God our Savior.
1. Check which of the following statements are correct.
a. The Word of God is a means of grace.
b. The law is a means of grace.
c. Baptism is a means of grace.
d. The means of grace is the gospel in Word and Sacrament.
e. Prayer is a means of grace.2. Check which of the following statements is the correct one.
a. The line of communication in the means of grace is from us to God.
b. The line of communication in the means of grace is from God to us.3. Protestant churches teach that God works in people’s hearts directly without the use of the means of grace. Evaluate their teaching and explain your answer.
4. What method does the Bible say we must use for applying the water in baptism?
5. Read Galatians 5:1. If a church declared we must baptize by immersing under the water, when God did not give us this law, what does this passage say we should do? How should we then apply the water in baptism?
6. Protestant churches teach that little children should not be baptized, because they cannot believe, and because they are not guilty of sin until they have reached an age of accountability. Evaluate their teaching and the reasons for it. Explain your answer.
7. What happens, or what is given, in baptism that makes it possible for a baptized infant to believe?
8. Have you been baptized? If so, what blessings did God give you through your baptism?
9. What daily comfort can you draw from your baptism?
10. What does your baptism signify?