In a previous post I discussed what makes baptism valid. Today I'll talk about what makes baptism effective. For example, what if a family baptizes their child and then they never return to church? What if the child never receives Christian instruction, or does not have faith? Is baptism effective for the salvation of the child?
The answer is no. Baptism is not magic apart from faith. What makes baptism effective is trust in the promise that Jesus gives in our baptism. This is why parents are held accountable by God Almighty to bring their child up in the admonition of the Lord and with training in the faith. It is why the congregation also makes promises during the baptism to support the parents in this responsibility. It is not to be taken lightly.
If you have been baptized, God has placed his name on you, adopted you into His family and claims you as a beloved son or daughter. You have received the Holy Spirit, and Jesus lives in your heart. Bask in that truth. As Martin Luther said:
""The only way to drive away the Devil is through faith in Christ by saying 'I have been baptized, I am a Christian."
For more Martin Luther quotes see:
Martin Luther on Sin
Why We Need the Law (According to Martin Luther)
Martin Luther on the Omnipotence of God
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