Historically, the subject of baptism has been much debated by Christians. Some maintain that only those old enough to make an informed decision and conscious commitment to following Jesus should be baptized; others hold that people of all ages, including infants, should be baptized.
Believing baptism to be an act of God, an expression of divine grace, a special way that God communicates forgiveness and promise, and not something rooted in human will or decision, Lutheran Christians fall into the latter category.
When Christ commissioned the Apostles to: “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 (Matthew 28: 19),” he did so without qualification.
Through water poured and word proclaimed, those who are baptized can boldly trust that holy baptism conveys what God gives through Jesus Christ: the forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal life.
St. Peter likened baptism to Noah’s Ark when he wrote, “And baptism which this prefigured (Noah and his family saved in the Ark) now saves you (1 Peter 3: 21a).”
Lutherans believe that Christian life is a life lived in response to God’s immeasurable grace poured out in baptism. While it is true that some people who are baptized never do that, this fact does not diminish the gift of baptism.
For those who aspire to lead lives of faithful obedience to their Lord, baptism is a special source of strength and joy.
