This information is taken from a recent sermon at our church. There was a baptism, and the pastor took that opportunity to give a summary of some basic Lutheran beliefs. So first, what is the definition of a sacrament?
- It is commanded by Christ. This is true of baptism as in Matthew Chapter 28 Jesus says, "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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
- It uses a physical element. In baptism, it is the water.
- The Word of God is attached to the sacrament, that is the words of Jesus are used.
- The sacrament is for the forgiveness of sins. As Peter preaches in Acts, Chapter 2, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of you sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
A sacrament, such as baptism is far more than a human religious rite. It is not the "work" of the person being baptized, or the pastor, but a gift from God.
More to follow tomorrow ....
For more about baptism see these posts:
United with Christ in our Baptism
Baptism, A New Beginning
Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Baptism
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