Christ for Us

Episode 08: Baptism

Episode 08 of the Christ for Us Podcast will cover all of Baptism: What it is, what it does, how it does it, and what it indicates. We will go through Luther's Small Catechism, answer questions given to a Catechism Class, and hear quotes from Luther's Large Catechism. You can follow along to the Podcast at Christforus.org. 
#Baptism #LargeCatechism #SmallCatechism #Luther #Lutheran #Bible 
What is Baptism?
Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.  
Which is this word of God?   
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
What is a Sacrament?A Sacrament is a sacred act instituted by God (established, started by God), which includes
A visible element
His Command and promise of grace and the forgiveness of sins.
Why did Christ add the Sacraments to the Word?He knows that our faith is weak and that we need to know whether the Gospel applies to us personally. So, he gave us Sacraments, so we can have a physical sign that the Gospel applies to us.
What is Baptism?Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Matthew 28:19“That he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.” Ephesians 5:26
What are the two essential parts of Baptism?
Water “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” Acts 10:47
Word “That he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.” Ephesians 5:26
Who instituted Holy Baptism?Jesus Christ “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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20
Is Baptism our work or God’s work?God’s work. “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ” Titus 3:4-6
In these words you must note, in the first place, that here stand God’s commandment and institution, lest we doubt that Baptism is divine, not devised nor invented by men. For as truly as I can say, No man has spun the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer out of his head, but they are revealed and given by God Himself, so also I can boast that Baptism is no human trifle, but instituted by God Himself, moreover, that it is most solemnly and strictly commanded that we must be baptized or we cannot be saved, lest any one regard it as a trifling matter, like putting on a new red coat. LC IV:6
For it is of the greatest importance that we esteem Baptism 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. LC IV:7-8
What does it mean to be Baptized into the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit?It means that God has put his name on me and made me his own child.“for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:26-27
For to be baptized in the name of God is to be baptized not by men, but by God Himself. LC IV:10
Therefore it is pure wickedness and blasphemy of the devil that now our new spirits, to mock at Baptism, omit from it God’s Word and institution, and look upon it in no other way than as water which is taken from the well, and then blather and say: How is a handful of water to help the soul? Aye, my friend, who does not know that water is water if tearing things asunder is what we are after? But how dare you thus interfere with God’s order, and tear away the most precious treasure with which God has connected and enclosed it, and which He will not have separated? For the kernel in the water is God’s Word or command and the name of God, which is a treasure greater and nobler than heaven and earth. LC IV: 15-16
Therefore it is not only natural water, but a divine, heavenly, holy, and blessed water, and in whatever other terms we can praise it,-all on account of the Word, which is a heavenly, holy Word, that no one can sufficiently extol, for it has, and is able to do, all that God is and can do [since it has all the virtue and power of God comprised in it]. (Isaiah 55:10-11) LC IV:17
For do you think it was a jest that, when Christ was baptized, the heavens were opened and the Holy Ghost descended visibly, and everything was divine glory and majesty? (Luke 3:21-11) LC IV:21
Who baptizes?Normally the pastors baptizes, but in the case of an emergency when no pastor is available, any Christian should baptize.“Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John(although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples)” John 4:1-2“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” 1 Corinthians 4:1
Who should be baptized?All Christians, both young and old.“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19
Should babies be baptized?Yes, because
Babies are included in all nations.“Therefore Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19
This promise is for children. “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. For the promise is for you and for your children.” Acts 2:38-39
Jesus invites children to come to him.  “Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Luke 18:15-17
Babies are sinners and need Baptism. “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit.” John 3:5-6“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” Psalm 51:5“We were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” Ephesians 2:3
Babies can sin. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6
Babies can have faith.“”For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” Luke 1:44
Babies can die.
What Luther Says:
If God did not bless the Baptizing of children, then so many who were baptized as children would not be Christians.
That the Baptism of infants is pleasing to Christ is sufficiently proved from His own work, namely, that God sanctifies many of them who have been thus baptized, and has given them the Holy Ghost; and that there are yet many even to-day in whom we perceive that they have the Holy Ghost both because of their doctrine and life; as it is also given to us by the grace of God that we can explain the Scriptures and come to the knowledge of Christ, which is impossible without the Holy Ghost.50 But if God did not accept the baptism of infants, He would not give the Holy Ghost nor any of His gifts to any of them; LC IV:49-50
Baptism is not made valid by faith, but by the Word of God.
Further, we say that we are not so much concerned to know whether the person baptized believes or not; for on that account Baptism does not become invalid; but everything depends upon the Word and command of God. … Baptism is nothing else than water and the Word of God in and with each other, that is, when the Word is added to the water, Baptism is valid, even though faith be wanting. For my faith does not make Baptism, but receives it. Now, Baptism does not become invalid even though it be wrongly received or employed; since it is not bound (as stated) to our faith, but to the Word. LC IV:52-53
even though infants did not believe, which, however, is not the case, yet their baptism as now shown would be valid LC IV:55
We bring the child in the conviction and hope that it believes, and we pray that God may grant it faith; but we do not baptize it upon that, but solely upon the command of God. Why so? Because we know that God does not lie. I and my neighbor and, in short, all men, may err and deceive, but the Word of God cannot err. LC IV:57
Just as if I would infer: If I do not believe, then Christ is nothing; or thus: If I am not obedient, then father, mother, and government are nothing. Is that a correct conclusion, that whenever any one does not do what he ought, the thing in itself shall be nothing and of no value?59 My dear, just invert the argument and rather draw this inference: For this very reason Baptism is something and is right, because it has been wrongly received. For if it were not right and true in itself, it could not be misused nor sinned against. The saying is: Abusus non tollit, sed confirmat substantiam, Abuse does not destroy the essence, but confirms it. LC IV 58-59
What benefits does Baptism give?   
It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.  
Which are these words and promises of God?   
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16)
How do you know that Baptism works forgiveness of sins?The Bible promises that Baptism works forgiveness of sins.“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Acts 2:38“Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins.” Acts 22:16“That he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:26-27
Luther:
In the second place, since we know now what Baptism is, and how it is to be regarded, we must also learn why and for what purpose it is instituted; that is, what it profits, gives, and works. And this also we cannot discern better than from the words of Christ above quoted: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. (Mark 16:16) 24 Therefore state it most simply thus, that the power, work, profit, fruit, and end of Baptism is this, namely, to save (1 Peter 3:21). For no one is baptized in order that he may become a prince, but, as the words declare, that he be saved. LC IV:23-24
nor mere water could not do such a thing, but the Word does it, and (as said above) the fact that the name of God is comprehended therein. 27 But where the name of God is, there must be also life and salvation (Psalm 54:1: O God, save me by your name) that it may indeed be called a divine, blessed, fruitful, and gracious water; for by the Word such power is imparted to Baptism that it is a laver of regeneration, as St. Paul also calls it, Titus 3:5. LC:IV 26-27
But as our would-be wise, new spirits assert that faith alone saves, and that works and external things avail nothing, we answer: It is true, indeed, that nothing in us is of any avail but faith, as we shall hear still further. 29 But these blind guides are unwilling to see this, namely, that faith must have something which it believes, … Thus faith clings to the water, and believes that it is Baptism, in which there is pure salvation and life LC:IV:28-29
Now, they are so mad as to separate faith, and that to which faith clings and is bound, though it be something external. … indeed the entire Gospel is an external, verbal preaching. LC IV:30
whoever rejects Baptism rejects the Word of God, faith, and Christ, who directs us thither and binds us to Baptism. LC IV:31
How does Baptism rescue you from death?Baptism joins me to Christ’s death and resurrection.“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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.” Romans 6:3-5
How does Baptism rescue you from the devil?Baptism rescues me from the devil by clothing me with Christ.“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:27
How do you know Baptism gives you eternal life?The Bible repeatedly promises that Baptism gives eternal life.“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” Mark 16:16“Baptism, which corresponds to this (the waters of Noah’s flood), now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 3:21“He saved us… by the washing of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5
Jesus died for the sins of the whole world and won forgiveness and salvation for the whole human race. Why do you still need Baptism?God uses Baptism to give this forgiveness and salvation to me personally.“You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11
Does Baptism save even those, who do not have faith in Christ?No. “Whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16
Can unbaptized people go to heaven?Yes, but this does not mean that Baptism is unnecessary or unimportant. God is merciful and is able to save those, who have faith in Christ, but die before they are baptized. True faith does not refuse Baptism against better knowledge.“Whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16“And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.'” Luke 23:42-43
If you commit a serious sin or fall away from the faith or you didn’t understand what was going on when you were baptized, should you seek to be baptized again?No, there is only one Baptism.“One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Ephesians 4:5
Is there such thing as a Baptism of the Holy Spirit without water?No, God promises the Holy Spirit through water and the word.“Unless one is born again of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” John 3:5“He saved us … by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5“that he might sanctify her [the Church], having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.” Ephesians 5:26
How can water do such great things?   
Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three:  
“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and the renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” (Titus 3:5-8)
What great things are we talking about here?That Baptism works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this.Does the water by itself work forgiveness of sins, rescue from death and the devil, and give eternal salvation?No, not just water, but the word of God in and with the water, along with faith which trusts the word of God in the water.“Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.” Ephesians 5:25-26“You are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:26-27
Who is poured out on you in Baptism?The Holy Spirit.“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and the renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.” Titus 3:5“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.” Acts 2:38“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him…” Matthew 3:16
How does the Holy Spirit come to you?By hearing the Word of God with faith.“Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? … Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith – just as Abraham ‘believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness’?” Galatians 3:2, 5-6 
So, does the Holy Spirit come to you in Baptism? Why?Yes, Baptism has God’s Word.“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19
Luther:
Without faith it profits nothing, notwithstanding it is in itself a divine superabundant treasure. Therefore this single word (He that believeth) effects this much that it excludes and repels all works which we can do, in the opinion that we obtain and merit salvation by them. LC IV:34
But if they say, as they are accustomed: Still Baptism is itself a work, and you say works are of no avail for salvation; what, then, becomes of faith? Answer: Yes, our works, indeed, avail nothing for salvation; Baptism, however, is not our work, but God’s. LC IV:35
Thus you see plainly that there is here no work done by us, but a treasure which He gives us, and which faith apprehends; just as the Lord Jesus Christ upon the cross is not a work, but a treasure comprehended in the Word, and offered to us and received by faith LC IV:37
What is the washing of the new birth and renewal of the Holy Spirit?
The washing of the new birth is a second birth, not of the flesh, but of the Spirit. This birth washes away my sins and makes me a child of God. Without this birth, I would be a child of hell.“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit.'” John 3:3-6“And you were dead in the trespasses and sinsin which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” Ephesians 2:1-3
The renewal of the Holy Spirit is the work of the Holy Spirit, who changes you so that you fight against your sinful flesh.“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” Galatians 5:16-17 See also Colossians 2:6-15; Romans 6:1ff.
Is your new birth complete at Baptism?Yes, and it continues my entire life through faith.“Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” Acts 22:16
Is the renewal of the Holy Spirit also complete at Baptism?No, This is a lifelong struggle, which is why I constantly need to hear the Word of God. This renewal will be complete in the resurrection of the dead.“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Romans 7:15See also Colossians 3:1-10.
Do you need the Holy Spirit to have faith in Christ?Yes“Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given to us by God. …The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:12, 14
Luther:
For consider, if there were somewhere a physician who understood the art of saving men from dying, or, even though they died, of restoring them speedily to life, so that they would thereafter live forever, how the world would pour in money like snow and rain, so that because of the throng of the rich no one could find access! But here in Baptism there is brought free to every one’s door such a treasure and medicine as utterly destroys death and preserves all men alive.
What does such baptizing with water indicate?   
It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.  
Where is this written?   
St. Paul writes in Romans chapter six: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Rom. 6:4)
Luther: Lastly, we must also know what Baptism signifies, and why God has ordained just such external sign and ceremony for the Sacrament by which we are first received into the Christian Church. 65 But the act or ceremony is this, that we are sunk under the water, which passes over us, and afterwards are drawn out again. These two parts, to be sunk under the water and drawn out again, signify the power and operation of Baptism, which is nothing else than putting to death the old Adam, and after that the resurrection of the new man, both of which must take place in us all our lives, so that a truly Christian life is nothing else than a daily baptism, once begun and ever to be continued. For this must be practised without ceasing, that we ever keep purging away whatever is of the old Adam, and that that which belongs to the new man come forth. LC IV:64-65
What is the Old Adam in you?The Old Adam is the corrupt and evil nature, which we inherited from Adam.“Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires.” Ephesians 4:22 “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” Romans 5:12“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” Romans 7:18“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” Galatians 5:17“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14
Luther:
but what is the old man? It is that which is born in us from Adam, angry, hateful, envious, unchaste, stingy, lazy, haughty, yea, unbelieving, infected with all vices, and having by nature nothing good in it. 67 Now, when we are come into the kingdom of Christ, these things must daily decrease, LV IV: 66-67
What does it mean that the Old Adam in you should be drowned and die?It means to repent of all sins and strive to live a better life.If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:24“Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires.” Ephesians 4:22
Luther:
74 And here you see that Baptism, both in its power and signification, comprehends also the third Sacrament, which has been called repentance, 75 as it is really nothing else than Baptism. For what else is repentance but an earnest attack upon the old man [that his lusts be restrained] and entering upon a new life?  LC IV 74-75
To what other two means of grace does Baptism drive you? Confession and the Sacrament of the Altar.
What is the new man?The image or likeness of Christ, which is shown in the new spiritual life. The nature created by the washing of rebirth. “And to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:23-24“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Romans 13:14
Is Baptism with water merely an illustration or does it actually work in you?It works in me through the power of the Holy Spirit, who joins me to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.“Baptism … now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 3:21“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:27
Luther:
Therefore, if you live in repentance, you walk in Baptism, which not only signifies such a new life, but also produces, begins, and exercises it. LC IV:75
This I say lest we fall into the opinion in which we were for a long time, imagining that our Baptism is something past, which we can no longer use after we have fallen again into sin. LC IV:80
The reason is, that it is regarded only according to the external act once performed [and completed]. 81 And this arose from the fact that St. Jerome wrote that repentance is the second plank by which we must swim forth and cross over after the ship is broken, on which we step and are carried across when we come into the Christian Church. LC IV 80b-81
What must continue everyday of your life after your Baptism?The drowning of the old Adam and the rising of the new man, that is daily contrition and repentance and faith in the forgiveness of sins.“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Rom. 6:4“For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” Romans 8:13“to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24
If you commit a really bad sin or fall away from the faith, do you need to be baptized again?No. You are only baptized once. Instead, one who sins or falls away should return to his Baptism.“There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all…” Ephesians 4:4-5“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22
How do you “return” to your Baptism?By repenting of my sins and believing in the forgiveness of sins for Christ’s sake.“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4
Can Baptism actually change your behavior?Yes, Baptism gives the Spirit and power to suppress the old Adam, so that the new man may come forth and become strong.
Luther:
Thus it appears what a great, excellent thing Baptism is, which delivers us from the jaws of the devil and makes us God’s own, suppresses and takes away sin, and then daily strengthens the new man; and is and remains ever efficacious until we pass from this estate of misery to eternal glory.  LC IV:83
Romans 6:3-6: 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 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.5 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. 6 We know that our old self[a] was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
John 3:3-6: Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again[a] he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Conclusion
Baptism is God’s work, not ours, which works through the power of God’s Word and is received through faith. Baptism is a means of grace. Christ gained our salvation through His suffering, death, and resurrection. The Holy Spirit gives us this salvation through the Word. Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word. The benefits of Baptism are received through faith. The benefits of Baptism are the forgiveness of sins, rescue from death and the devil, and eternal salvation to all who believe. Baptism also is a sign that the old Adam in us should by daily contrition be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. Not only does Baptism indicate this, but it actually works both rebirth and renewal by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Luther: For this reason let every one esteem his Baptism as a daily dress in which he is to walk constantly, that he may ever be found in the faith and its fruits, that he suppress the old man and grow up in the new. 85 For if we would be Christians, we must practise the work whereby we are Christians. 86 But if any one fall away from it, let him again come into it. For just as Christ, the Mercy-seat, does not recede from us or forbid us to come to Him again, even though we sin, so all His treasure and gifts also remain. If, therefore, we have once in Baptism obtained forgiveness of sin, it will remain every day, as long as we live, that is, as long as we carry the old man about our neck. LC IV:84-86

How Can We Love Jesus: Pentecost Sermon 2024

Sermon preached by Rev. James Preus on Pentecost Sunday on John 14:23-31. 
You can read the text of the sermon on Christforus.org. 
#Pentecost #Confirmation #LoveJesus 

Episode 7: The Early Church on Infant Baptism

Episode 7 of the Christ for Us Bible Study Podcast on what the early church taught concerning infant baptism. You can follow along to the outline at Christforus.org. 
#infantbaptism #earlychurch #churchfathers #Augustine #Jerome #Ambrose #Cyprian #Theology
Tradition’s Relationship with Scripture Alone
In our first episode, where I discussed how Lutherans interpret the Bible, I explained that the formal principle, that is, the source of all our teaching concerning faith and living a moral life is Holy Scripture. Holy Scripture alone determines what we ought to believe regarding salvation and how to live a godly life. I quoted from the Lutheran Confessions, Formula of Concord, Summary of Rules and Norms:
“1. We believe, teach, and confess that the sole rule and standard according to which all dogmas together with [all] teachers should be estimated and judged are the prophetic and apostolic Scriptures of the Old and of the New Testament alone, as it is written Ps. 119:105: Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. And St. Paul: Though an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you, let him be accursed, Gal. 1:8. (Source: https://bookofconcord.org/epitome/#ep-rule-and-norm-0001 )”
And we stand by this. This what Lutherans means when we say: Scripture alone. We cannot bind consciences to what councils, bishops, and popes say, if what they say is not first established in Holy Scripture. So, the question arises. What use then is tradition? Do Lutherans follow traditions? How do we treat the early church fathers and their writings? And what difference does it make what the early church fathers taught about Baptism, if our only rule and norm is Holy Scripture?
Lutherans value traditions, councils, and the writings of the early church fathers. But we do not base our teaching on their writings or accept their teachings without the witness of Scripture. Jerome (circa 342-420) writes, “What has no authority from Scriptures is rejected as easily as it is approved.”[1] This is one of the problems with how the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church deal with tradition. They will claim that a tradition is apostolic, meaning, it was taught by the Apostles, but there is no testimony in Scripture backing this up. Later, it is discovered that some of their so-called apostolic traditions were really traditions started by heretical sects like the Montanists.
So, Lutherans use traditions and the writings of the early church fathers as witnesses of the teachings of Scripture. Martin Chemnitz writes of the Church fathers, “They do not bring forward or prove any other dogma of faith from tradition beside those which are contained in the Scripture; but they set forth and prove also from tradition those very same dogmas which are found in Scripture.”[2] So, for example, the Apostles’ Creed is not found word for word in Scripture, but was compiled by the church fathers. Yet, Chemnitz writes of the Apostles’ Creed, “This is the true and ancient tradition of the apostles which does not hand down anything outside of and beyond the Scripture but embraces the summary of the whole Scripture.”[3] The Apostles’ Creed is helpful to the Church, because it summarizes the doctrine of all of Scripture.
And this way of treating the church fathers was not invented by the Lutherans. St. Augustine (354-430) writes concerning the church father Cyprian (210-258) in his Contra Cresconium, Bk. 2, ch. 31, “We do Cyprian no wrong when we distinguish any and all of his writings from the canonical authority of the divine Scriptures. For it is not without cause that the canon of the church was fixed with such wholesome vigilance, to which the certain books of the prophets and apostles belong, which we dare not at all judge, and according to which we judge concerning other writings, whether of believers or of unbelievers.” And in the next chapter, he writes, “I am not bound by the authority of this epistle (of Cyprian) because I do not hold the writings of Cyprian as canonical, but I consider them according to the canonical, and I accept whatever in them agrees with the authority of the divine Scriptures with his approval, but what does not agree I reject with his permission.”[4]
So, if you listened to last episode, you heard how infant Baptism is biblical, because Christ commanded all nations to be baptized, the promise is for children, whole households were baptized, and the Bible teaches that babies are sinners in need of salvation, and that God can give babies faith. However, it is true that the Bible does not explicitly record an infant being baptized. So, while we can solely through Scripture defend the practice of baptizing babies, it is helpful to see the witness of the early Church and how they baptized babies. This is not why we baptize babies, but it gives us additional assurance that we are not misinterpreting Scripture.
Early Church Writings Which Support Infant Baptism
Sources for Early Church Baptizing Babies:
https://toeternity.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Infant-Baptism.pdf which was compiled by Rev. Tom Parrish of toeternity.org.
https://www.issuesetcarchive.org/issues_site/resource/journals/kastens.htm article written by Dennis Kastens for the Issues Etc. Journal in the spring of 1997.
Martin Chemnitz, “Examination of the Council of Trent” CPH. 1:249-255
Some (not all) in the early church accepted several practices concerning Baptism, which we do not accept today. However, we do not accept them, because they either have no testimony whatsoever in Scripture, for example, applying oil onto the baptized, or they are flatly contrary to Scripture, such as waiting until right before death to baptize or rebaptizing those, who were baptized by an apostate or heretic. Here are some quotes from early church fathers, which supports infant Baptism. Not everything these men ever wrote is correct, but their testimony of Baptism is in agreement with the teaching of Scripture and tells us what the practice was of the early church.
In 180 AD, Irenaeus wrote concerning Jesus’ Baptism, “”For He came to save all through means of Himself–all, I say, who through Him are born again to God–infants, and children, and boys, and youths, and old men.” (Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book II 22:4)[5] By born again, Irenaeus clearly refers to Baptism. In book III 17:1, he says the Christ gave the disciples the power of regeneration (αναγεννήσεως) when he told them to baptize all nations.[6] See also John 3.
Origen (185-253), “The Church has received the tradition from the apostles to bestow Baptism also on infants.” (Commentary on Romans, Book 5).[7] And again in his Homily on Luke, “How can there be any reason for the baptism of little children except according to this understanding: No one is free from defilement, even if he has lived but one day on the earth. And because through the Sacrament of Baptism the filth of our birth is removed, therefore also little children are baptized for unless one is born again of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.”[8]
“Baptism is given for the remission of sins; and according to the usage of the Church, Baptism is given even to infants. And indeed if there were nothing in infants which required a remission of sins and nothing in them pertinent to forgiveness, the grace of baptism would seem superfluous.” Origen, Homily on Leviticus,8:3
Cyprian writes (c. 251 AD) “But in respect of the case of the infants, which you say ought not to be baptized within the second or third day after their birth, and that the law of ancient circumcision should be regarded, so that you think one who is just born should not be baptized and sanctified within the eighth day…Moreover, belief in divine Scripture declares to us, that among all, whether infants or those who are older, there is the same equality of the divine gift. … And therefore, dearest brother, this was our opinion in council, that by us no one ought to be hindered from baptism and from the grace of God, who is merciful and kind and loving to all. Which, since it is to be observed and maintained in respect of all, we think is to be even more observed in respect of infants and newly-born persons..” Cyprian, (To Fidus, Epistle 58(64):2, 3, 6)[9]
Hippolytus of Rome (died 235) wrote in The Apostolic Tradition (21.), “And first baptize the little ones; if they can speak for themselves, they shall do so; if not, their parents or other relatives shall speak for them.”[10]
Gregory Nanzianzen (AD 381) wrote in his Oration on Holy Baptism 40:XVII, “Have you an infant child? Do not let sin get any opportunity, but let him be sanctified from his childhood; from his very tenderest age let him be consecrated by the Spirit. Fearest thou the Seal on account of the weakness of nature? O what a small-souled mother, and how little faith! Why, Anna even before Samuel was born promised him to God, and after his birth consecrated him at once, and brought him up in the p[riestly habit… Give your child the Trinity, that great and noble Guard.”[11] And later on, he says, “Be it so, some will say, in the case of those who ask for Baptism; what have you to say about those who are still children, and conscious neither of the loss nor of the grace? Are we to baptize them too? Certainly, if any danger presses. For it is better that they should be unconsciously sanctified than that they should depart unsealed and uninitiated. A proof of this is found in the Circumcision on the eighth day, which was a sort of typical seal, and was conferred on children before they had the use of reason.”[12]
Ambrose (339-397), “The Pelagians make void infant baptism, although John testifies: ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.(Book. 10, Epistle 89)’[13]
Augustine (354-430) concerning Infant Baptism, “The Whole church holds this tradition.” (De baptism contra Donatistas, Bk. 4, ch. 23).[14] Later, “They say that an unbaptized infant cannot perish, because it is born without sin. But the teacher of the Gentiles (Paul), in whom Christ was speaking, says, ‘Sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned.’ … Therefore the baptism of infants is not superfluous, because those who are by their generation subject to this condemnation are by regeneration freed from that same condemnation. But no human being can be found who is spiritually regenerated without Christ.” (Letter No. 89)[15]
Augustine again writes, “Likewise, whosoever says that those children who depart out of this life without partaking of that sacrament shall be made alive in Christ, certainly contradicts the apostolic declaration, and condemns the universal Church, in which it is the practice to lose no time and run in haste to administer baptism to infant children, because it is believed, as an indubitable truth, that otherwise they cannot be made alive in Christ. … ‘by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation’ (Rom. 5:18) That infants are born under the guilt of this offence is believed by the whole Church.”[16]
‘C (Critobulus, the Heretic). Tell me, pray, and rid me of all doubts, why little children are baptized.?
A (Atticus, the Catholic). That their sins may be forgiven them in baptism.” Jerome, Against the Pelagians,3:18(A.D. 415)[17]
“Believest thou this?…when a newborn child is brought forward to receive the anointing of initiation,
or rather of consumation through holy baptism.” Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on John,7(A.D.
428)
Evidence of Early Practice of Infant Baptism
Inscriptions in the catacombs in the Middle East, Southern Europe, and Africa give evidence of children who died two-years-old, one-year-old, and even a few hours old as having been baptized. These inscriptions can be dated around the 200s AD.[18]
Dealing with Tertullian
Tertullian (155-220), On Baptism chapter 18, “And so, according to the circumstances and disposition, and even age, of each individual, the delay of baptism is preferable; principally, however, in the case of little children. For why is it necessary-if (baptism itself) is not so necessary189 -that the sponsors likewise should be thrust into danger? Who both themselves, by reason of mortality, may fail to fulfil their promises, and may be disappointed by the development of an evil disposition, in those for whom they stood? The Lord does indeed say, “Forbid them not to come unto me.”190 Let them “come,” then, while they are growing up; let them “come” while they are learning, while they are learning whither to come;191 let them become Christians192 when they have become able to know Christ. Why does the innocent period of life hasten to the “remission of sins? “More caution will be exercised in worldly193 matters: so that one who is not trusted with earthly substance is trusted with divine! Let them know how to “ask” for salvation, that you may seem (at least) to have given “to him that asketh.”194 For no less cause must the unwedded also be deferred-in whom the ground of temptation is prepared, alike in such as never were wedded195 by means of their maturity, and in the widowed by means of their freedom-until they either marry, or else be more fully strengthened for continence. If any understand the weighty import of baptism, they will fear its reception more than its delay: sound faith is secure of salvation.”[19]
 Tertullian did not deny the legitimacy of infant baptism, but acknowledged it as a legitimate practice.
Tertullian’s caution against infant Baptism was not that the Baptism didn’t work, but it was based on a misunderstanding that Baptism only forgave past sins, but if sins were committed later, they would not be forgiven. This was a heresy later popularized during the Novation controversy. This caused many to wait even until their death beds to get baptized. This is not the reason people object to infant Baptism today. All Christians reject the heresy that sins committed after Baptism cannot be forgiven.
No one in the early church rejected infant Baptism, because they thought babies could not have faith or that Baptism didn’t do anything.  Tertullian himself wrote, ““Happy is our sacrament of water, in that, by washing away the sins of our early blindness, we are set free and admitted into eternal life!”[20] Tertullian’s error was believing that children were in the “innocent period” of life.
Tertullian had a strange view of “puberty of the soul,” where he concluded that the soul comes to puberty around the same time as the body, so he did not think that people before fourteen-years-old needed to be Baptized. This is not a biblical view: “At this point in our discussion of the union of soul and body, we now wish to affirm that the puberty of the soul coincides with that of the body; at about the age of fourteen years, puberty comes to the soul through the development of the senses and to the body by the growth of its organs.”[21] Tertullian understood St. Paul’s words from 1 Cor. 7 to mean that children of Christian parents are born clean. 
Although Tertullian is important in early church history (he coined the term Trinity), he also became a heretic, who joined the Montanism sect, which claimed direct revelation from the Holy Spirit and denied the total corruption of the human soul.
Although Tertullian dates very early in the Christian Church, even older witnesses testify of infant Baptism. Polycarp, who was executed in 156 AD, when told by the governor, “Swear, and I will set you free: execrate Christ” Polycarp responded, “For eighty-six years I have been His servant, and He has never done me wrong: how can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”[22]
Conclusion
We accept the witness of the early church fathers, so long as what they say agrees with Holy Scripture.
The early church fathers overwhelmingly, nearly unanimously, advocate for the baptizing of infants.
The arguments of the early church fathers, who advocate for infant Baptism are largely based in Scripture.
There is archeological evidence as early as the 200s of baptized babies buried in the Catacombs.
Tertullian, a lone voice speaking against baptizing infants, wrote very early, however:
He does not deny the power of Baptism to forgive and wash away sins.
He errs by saying that babies are innocent and not in need of Baptism. His argument did not have a strong biblical basis.
Tertullian joined the Montanist sect, which claimed direct revelation from the Holy Spirit.
Tertullian’s error came from the fear of post-Baptismal sin. But such heretics would still baptize babies if they feared death was imminent.[23]
[1] Examination of the Council of Trent 1:288.
[2] Ibid 236.
[3] Ibid. 241.
[4] Ibid. 174.
[5] ANF,I:391.
[6] ANF 1:444.
[7] Examination 1:249.
[8] Ibid. 250.
[9] ANF,5:353-354
[10] https://www.gutenberg.org/files/61614/61614-h/61614-h.htm#ch4
[11] NPNF 7:365
[12] Ibid. 370.
[13] Examination 1:251.
[14] Ibid. 249.
[15] Ibid. 251.
[16] NPNF1 1:530
[17] NPNF2 6:482
[18] https://www.issuesetcarchive.org/issues_site/resource/journals/kastens.htm
[19] https://www.tertullian.org/anf/anf03/anf03-49.htm#P11705_3290478
[20] Ibid.
[21] https://web-facstaff.sas.upenn.edu/~cavitch/pdf-library/Tertullian_On_the_Soul.pdf
[22] Eusebius, “The History of the Church,” trans. G. A Williamson Penguin Classics, Harmondsworth, Middlesex, England. 1965. 171.
[23] https://www.issuesetcarchive.org/issues_site/resource/journals/kastens.htm

All Our Enemies Under Christ's Feet: Ascension Sermon 2024

Ascension Day Sermon preached by Pastor James Preus in 2024. 
Why is Christ's victory our victory? What does it mean that Christ makes intercession for us? How can Christ be present with His Church on earth in Word and Sacrament when He is in heaven at the Father's right hand? 
You can read the entire sermon at Christforus.org. 
#Ascension #GenusMajestaticum #Atonement #Lutheran #Christmakesintercession 

Episode 06: Biblical Arguments for Infant Baptism

Episode 6 of the Christ for Us Bible Study Podcast discussing biblical arguments for infant Baptism by Rev. James Preus. You can read the outline to this Bible Study at Christforus.org. 
#InfantBaptism #Baptism #Bible #Biblestudy #Theology #Lutheran #Baptist #Pentecostal #Anabaptist 
Intro and closing music: Wachet Auf, Ruf Uns Die Stimme BWV 645, setting by J. S. Bach, Noncommercial Use
 
Many protestant groups in America reject infant Baptism, such as the Baptists, Pentecostals, and so-called non-denominational churches. I would like to explain from Scripture why Christians should get their babies baptized.
Grace
Before we can address whether babies should be baptized, we need to understand what the Bible teaches about grace. Grace is a free gift (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8-9), God’s undeserved love for us. While most Christians will recognize this as referring to the salvation won by Jesus’ innocent suffering and death, which made payment for our sins, grace also refers to God’s work of conversion. The Bible makes clear that because of our sinful condition (original sin) with which we are born, we cannot choose God or accept Jesus as our Savior, unless God Himself draws us. Faith itself is a gift from God, given by grace. Faith is not something human beings can achieve by their own strength or reasoning. Adults are not more capable than children to believe in Jesus. Saying babies cannot have faith is equal to saying that God cannot give faith to babies.
 “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 16:17
“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” John 6:44
St. Paul makes clear that by nature people cannot accept the Gospel by their own reason, but the Holy Spirit reveals it to them through God’s Word.  “Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person cannot accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:12-14
“No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:3
St. Paul states that we are born dead in sin and incapable of following God until He makes us alive. “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—.” Ephesians 2:1-5
Those who reject infant Baptism will often emphasize the importance of being born again. Being born again is essential to being saved; however, being born again is not our work, but God’s Work. Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. … Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is spirit.” John 3:3, 5-6 That which is born of flesh cannot please God (Romans 8:7-8), so a person cannot have faith in God unless God causes him to be born again. The sinful flesh cannot cause itself to be born again of the Spirit.
“But to those who did receive Him, who believed on His name, He gave them the right to be called children of God, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:13
Baptism is God’s Work, Not Ours
A major confusion of those who deny infant Baptism have concerning Baptism is that they think that Baptism is man’s work. But Baptism is not man’s work; it is God’s work. We call Baptism a means of grace, because it is a means by which God gives us grace. This means that Baptism is Gospel, not Law.
God always gives us grace through His Word. God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My Word be that goes out from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I send it.” Isaiah 55:10-11
When God joins His Word to an element, like water, that element does not change the fact that it is still God’s Word working. We see this in the story of how God healed Naaman of his leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-14). The prophet Elisha sent Naaman to wash in the Jordan River to be cleansed, but Naaman was offended, because he thought the rivers of Damascus were better than the Jordan. Naaman’s servants countered, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” 2 Kings 5:13 Naaman thought he was despising the water of the Jordan, but he was actually despising the Word of God. But when He did as God’s Word said, he was cleansed of His leprosy in the water according to God’s Word. Likewise, those who reject Baptism’s power to forgive think they are rejecting the water’s power to forgive, but they are really rejecting the Word of God joined to the water, which promises forgiveness.
What Is Baptism?
To show that Baptism is God’s Work not ours, we need to answer the question: What is Baptism?
Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command, and combined with God’s Word. Jesus said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” Matthew 28:19
The Bible says that Baptism works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe. Scripture promises things in Baptism, which only God can give.
Jesus said, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16
St. Peter writes, “Baptism now saves you.” 1 Peter 3:21
St. Peter said on Pentecost, “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.” Acts 2:37
“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” Acts 22:16
“He saved us, not by works done by us through righteousness, but according to His own mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.” Titus 3:5-6
“Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word…” Ephesians 5:25-26
Salvation is Gained, Given, and Gotten.
Some get offended when we say that Baptism saves, because faith alone saves and Jesus alone saves. But saying that Baptism saves does not conflict with either faith alone or Jesus alone saving. We must make a distinction between how salvation is gained, given, and gotten.
Salvation is gained in no other way than through Jesus’ perfect obedience, His innocent sufferings and death, and His glorious resurrection, whereby He made atonement for our sins and won justification for all people. (Romans 5:9-10; 1 Peter 1:18-19 and 3:18; Colossians 1:22)
Salvation is given through the Word. Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). Jesus sent His disciples to proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation (Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-47).
Baptism, which is not just plain water, but water joined to Christ’s Word, gives what Christ gained on the cross through the Word of Christ.
Salvation is gotten (received) through faith alone. Faith alone receives the promise of salvation through the Word. (Romans 3:24-25; 10:10; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16)
Baptism does not save apart from faith (Mark 16:16; 1 Corinthians 10:5). Faith receives the promise, which Baptism gives.
Baptism does not replace Christ; it gives you Christ. Baptism does not replace faith; the benefits of Baptism are received through faith.
Babies Can Have Faith!
A major objection to baptizing babies is the claim that babies cannot have faith. However, this is an opinion based on human reason, not a teaching of Scripture. The Bible teaches irrefutably that babies can and do have faith, because faith is a gift from God (grace).
Scripture says that nursing babies trust God. “You are He who took me from the womb; You made me trust You at my mother’s breasts.” Psalm 22:9
Jesus quotes Scripture, “Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise” Matthew 21:16, quoting Psalm 8:2 in Greek.
God gives faith even to little children. Jesus prays, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was Your gracious will.” Matthew 11:25-26; Luke 10:21
John the Baptist leapt for joy at the news of Jesus while still in the womb.
“And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. … ‘for Behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.’” Luke 1:41, 44
Some might object to this example, because John is a special case of being filled with the Holy Spirit. But every time a person is converted, it is a special work of the Holy Spirit. (John 1:13; 1 Cor. 12:3)
Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2 Why would Jesus say that we must become like children to enter the kingdom of heaven if children cannot have the faith necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven?
“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6 Little children can have faith.
“And they were bringing even infants to Him that He might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Jim, saying, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’” Luke 18:15-17 (See also Matthew 19:13-15 and Mark 10:13-16).
Jesus wanted infants to be brought to Him so that He could bless them. Why would He bless infants if infants cannot have faith to receive the blessing? Jesus says to such belongs the kingdom of God, but the kingdom of God can only be received through faith. So, infants must be able to have faith.
Can Babies Repent?
A frequent objection is that babies need to repent before they can be baptized. However, repentance is a work that God does in us. “And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20 that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.” Ezekiel 11:19-20 Just as God grants faith, He grants repentance. Repentance means to change one’s mind. God is the one who changes one’s mind to faith.
The Bible Promises Baptism to Babies Too
To whom does the Bible promise Baptism?
“All nations” Matthew 28:19
For children: “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. For this promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.” Acts 2:39 You cannot separate the promise of the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit from Baptism, which is promised to children and to everyone whom the Lord calls to Himself. Remember, Jesus even called infants to Himself (Luke 18:15-17).
Everyone who is born of the flesh. See John 3:3-6.
But the Bible Does Not Record Babies Being Baptized
This is a frequent objection of those who oppose infant Baptism. However, the objection quickly falls apart when you consider:
It is an argument from silence. The Bible does not record babies being refused Baptism.
Rather, the Bible records that “all nations” should be baptized (Matthew 28:19). Babies are included in all nations.
The Bible records that entire families were baptized. “And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.” Acts 16:33 And entire households (1 Corinthians 1:16), and never were babies said to be excluded.
Jesus rebuked His disciples for refusing to let infants be brought to Him for Him to bless them, and said to such belongs the kingdom of God and that whoever does not enter the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.  (Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17)
Some object that Jesus blessing the little children is not the same as Baptism. However, the concept is the same. Baptism is a means by which Jesus blesses us. Jesus rebuked His disciples for refusing His blessing to children. The disciples’ motives for refusing  to let the babies be blessed by Jesus is the same reasoning for keeping babies from being baptized. They thought the babies could not have faith. Jesus, however, insists that the babies are capable of even greater faith than they are.
Most baptisms in the New Testament and in the early church were adults, because most Christians were adult converts. However, once babies were born into Christian families, the early church records babies being baptized.
There are many early church testimonies to infant Baptism, which I will share in another episode. However, many opponents to infant Baptism will cite an early Christian named Tertullian (Late 2nd  to early 3rd century), who cautioned against baptizing children too young. There are a few responses to that.
Tertullian did not deny the legitimacy of infant Baptism, but acknowledged it as a legitimate practice.
Tertullian’s caution against infant Baptism was not that the Baptism didn’t work, but it was based on a misunderstanding that Baptism only forgave past sins, but if sins were committed later, they would not be forgiven. This was a heresy later popularized during the Novation controversy. This caused many to wait even until their death beds to get baptized. This is not the reason people object to infant Baptism today. All Christians reject the heresy that sins committed after Baptism cannot be forgiven.
No one in the early church rejected infant Baptism, because they thought babies could not have faith.
Although Tertullian is important in early church history (he coined the term Trinity), he also became a heretic, who joined the Montanism sect, which claimed direct revelation from the Holy Spirit and denied the total corruption of the human soul.
Babies Need Baptism
Why is it important to baptize babies? Because Babies need Baptism. Baptism is what gives us certainty that our children are God’s children, that their sins are forgiven, and that they will go to heaven if they die.
Babies are born sinners.
“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” Psalm 51:5
“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit.” John 3:5-6
“Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 15:50
“We were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” Ephesians 2:3
Babies can die!
“The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Baptism promises salvation to children Acts 2:38
Conclusion
Baptism is God’s Work, not ours.
Baptism has the power of God’s Word to forgive sins and save through Jesus.
It is God who creates faith in our hearts by grace.
Babies can have faith. God gives faith to babies.
The promise of Baptism is given to babies.
Babies are sinners in need of a Savior, and Baptism gives them that Savior.
Babies have always been baptized and God has accepted Christians, who are Baptized.

In That Day: Rogate Sermon 2024 by Rev. James Preus

Rogate sermon preached by Rev. James Preus for Trinity Lutheran Church in 2024. You can read the entire sermon on Christforus.org. 
#Rogate #HolyChristianChurch #TheLord'sPrayer #bodyandsoul #Lutheran 

Way to the Father: Cantate Sermon by Rev. James Preus 2024

Cantate sermon preached by Rev. James Preus on John 16:5-15 in 2024. You can read the entire sermon at Christforus.org. 
#Cantate #Easter #Father #Son #HolySpirit #Comforter #Lutheran 

Episode 05: Interview with Rolf Preus on the Walk Out 50 Years Later

Episode 05 of the Christ for Us Bible Study Podcast is an interview with Rev. Rolf Preus on the Walk Out at Concordia Seminary in February of 1974. Apologies for the background noise. I tried to edit the audio after the recording, but I failed. I'll work on it in the future. 
 
#Seminex #Walkout #ConcordiaSeminary #LCMS #50years #Lutheran #HigherCriticism 

Episode 04: Gained, Given, Gotten

In this episode of the Christ for Us Bible Study Podcast, we learn how Salvation is gained, given, and gotten (received).  Listen wherever you are on any podcast app. You can also follow along on Christforus.org. 
#Gainedgivengotten #Salvation #Gospel #Faithalone #Biblestudy #Theology #Christforus #Lutheran 
Intro and closing music: Wachet Auf, Ruf Uns Die Stimme BWV 645, setting by J. S. Bach, Noncommercial Use
“Baptism doesn’t save, because faith alone saves.” I’ve heard this many times. It is an axiom, almost a mantra of many evangelical Christians, whose theology has descended from Reformed theologian Ulrich Zwingli as well as the Anabaptists of the sixteenth century. And it sounds so convincing to many, because Scripture clearly says that a sinner is saved by grace through faith and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:28). So, if faith alone saves, how can you add anything to it? Yet, Scripture also says that Baptism saves (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Titus 3:5-8). So, how can Scripture say that Baptism saves if it also says that faith alone saves?
All this can be easily clarified if we understand the distinction between gained, given, and gotten. Our salvation is gained by Christ Jesus alone, who suffered and died for our sins and rose for our justification. Our salvation is given to us by the Holy Spirit through the Word, specifically, the Gospel. This Gospel is proclaimed through preaching, spoken in Baptism, Absolution, and in the administration of the Lord’s Supper. And finally, this salvation is gotten, that is, received through faith alone. So, when we talk about faith saving and Baptism saving, we are not talking about two competing things, but one, which gives and the other which receives. Baptism gives what Christ gained on the cross. Faith receives it. We wouldn’t say, “The preaching of the Gospel doesn’t save, because faith alone saves.” That would be ridiculous. Of course, the preaching of the Gospel saves. And that doesn’t take anything away from faith alone saving, because faith saves by receiving what the preaching of the Gospel gives. This is why Jesus says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16) Faith receives what Baptism gives. But if you do not believe, then Baptism doesn’t save you. Similarly, the preaching of the Gospel does not save the person who does not believe it. Not even the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ saves the person who does not believe it!
So, when we preach, when we read the Bible, and when we listen to preaching, we need to pay attention to how salvation is gained, given, and received. When we mix these up or exclude them, then we lose the Gospel and the salvation it offers.
What is Gained?
Forgiveness of sins: He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14
Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption: And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 1 Corinthians 1:30
Peace with God: Luke 2:14; John 20:19
Eternal life: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28
Inheritance in the Kingdom of God: In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14;
Adoption as children of God: Galatians 4:5
How is it Gained?
Salvation is gained in no other way than through the innocent sufferings and death of Christ Jesus, God’s own Son, who made satisfaction for our sins on the cross. Being true man, He was placed under the law and was obedient in our stead. He was able to suffer and die as our substitute. Being true God, He was able to bear the sin of the whole world and His death was sufficient to pay for the sins of the whole world.
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5
18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:18-21
In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses Ephesians 1:7
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, Romans 3:23-25a
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:3-6
knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:24-25
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 1 Peter 3:18
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14-15
But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:11-12
Because Christ Jesus, true God and man, suffered and died for our sins, salvation must be by grace. It dishonors Christ to say that His obedience and His suffering and death are not enough to win for us eternal life. If there were an infinite number of worlds and an infinite number of sinners, Christ’s suffering and death would be enough to win salvation for all, because Christ Jesus is true God. This gives us confidence that our salvation is certain. This is why we fight so hard that salvation is by faith alone, because faith does not earn our salvation, but rather receives salvation as a free gift.
How is it Given?
By the Holy Spirit, who enlivens, regenerates, and creates faith in the hearts of believers through the Word. The Holy Spirit is like the delivery man, who delivers what Christ has won for us on the Cross. Jesus said, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” John 16:13-15
This is why Augsburg Confession V states, “1 That we may obtain this faith, the Ministry of Teaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments was instituted. For through the Word and Sacraments, as through instruments, 2 the Holy Ghost is given, who works faith; where and when it pleases God, in them that hear 3 the Gospel, to wit, that God, not for our own merits, but for Christ’s sake, justifies those who believe that they are received into grace for Christ’s sake. 4 They condemn the Anabaptists and others who think that the Holy Ghost comes to men without the external Word, through their own preparations and works.”
The Holy Spirit works through the Word and the Sacraments as instruments, that is, as tools. A carpenter uses a hammer and drill. The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word and Sacraments, which are empowered by the Word. The Word and Sacraments are the “means of grace.” Means of transportation: trains, plains, automobiles, are means by which you move from one place to another. Means of communication: phone, text, letter, email, are means by which you communicate. Means of grace are means by which God delivers to you His grace to be received through faith.
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. John 3:5
Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? Galatians 3:2-6
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26
“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.” Acts 7:51
Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13
3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:3
For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. John 3:34
1 We will now return to the Gospel, which not merely in one way gives us counsel and aid against sin; for God is superabundantly rich [and liberal] in His grace [and goodness]. First, through the spoken Word by which the forgiveness of sins is preached [He commands to be preached] in the whole world; which is the peculiar office of the Gospel. Secondly, through Baptism. Thirdly, through the holy Sacrament of the Altar. Fourthly, through the power of the keys, and also through the mutual conversation and consolation of brethren, Matt. 18:20: Where two or three are gathered together, etc. (Smalcald Articles Part 3, Article IV: The Gospel)
Preaching: Mark 16:15; Luke 24:44-47
This is what Jesus’ parable about the wedding banquet is about. Luke 14:15-24. Luther says that a roast does you no good if you do not sit down and eat it!
Baptism: Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Titus 3:5-8; Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:26-27; 1 Peter 3:21; John 3:3-6
The Sacrament of the Altar: Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14; Luke 22; 1 Corinthians 11
The Office of the Keys: Matthew 16:16; 18:18; John 20:19-23
Mutual Conversation and Consolation of the Brethren: Matthew 18:20
How is it Gotten/Received?
Faith alone. Faith is not a work you do that makes you favorable to God, but it is a gift from God, through which you receive the gift of salvation, gained by Christ and given by the Holy Spirit through the Word.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith (διὰ τῆς πίστεως) Romans 3:23-25
For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Romans 3:28
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2
yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Galatians 2:16
Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, Romans 4:4-5
That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, Romans 4:16
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9.
Conclusion
The distinction between how your salvation is gained, given, and received helps protect the Gospel and give certainty to the sinner. You do not earn your salvation by believing or by going to church or by getting baptized. Salvation is earned by Christ alone, by His obedience, suffering, and death. Yet, you cannot benefit from this salvation Christ earned for you unless it is given to you! It is given to you by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel, which is not always the bare Word, but also includes the Sacraments, where Christ’s Word and promise are added. Faith alone saves by receiving the salvation Christ won. Faith receives this salvation by hearing the Word.
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:13-17
This is also why those who refuse to go to Church, because they think they have faith are in danger. Faith does not come from your own strength or endurance. It comes through hearing the Gospel, which is the main reason to go to Church.
You can’t go to the cross of Christ to find Jesus there, neither can you go to His tomb or anywhere else on earth. Christ is found in His Word and Sacraments, which are received through faith alone. When you understand this distinction, you have confidence that your faith is receiving Christ and His salvation.

Freedom and Government: Jubilate Sermon by Rev. Rolf Preus 2024

Sermon for Jubilate Sunday, 1 Peter 2:11-20 by Rev. Rolf Preus filling in for Rev. James Preus. You can read the text of the sermon at Christforus.org.