Spirituality of the Cross -- Baptism

Notes from Chap 3

The Presence of God
The Sacraments -- Baptism

• Lutheran spirituality is a sacramental spirituality, centered in the conviction that the Holy Spirit actually descends in the waters of Baptism, and that Christ is really present in the bread and wine of Holy Communion.

• Lutherans believe that the Gospel is conveyed, objectively, when a human being, even an infant is baptized. The Gospel is also conveyed, objectively, when the Lord's Supper is celebrated and the communicant is fed with bread and wine, in which is present the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ given for the forgiveness of sins.

• The Holy Spirit is strongly at work in local congregations, unlikely as it may sometimes, seem, as the pastor proclaims the Word and teaches and applies it to his people.

• According to Romans 6:3-5, Baptism unites a person to Christ, specifically, to His death and resurrection.

• As Luther explains in the Large Catechism, "To be baptized in God's name is to be baptized not by men but God himself."

• Infant Baptism, in fact, is perhaps the best illustration of justification by faith. Faith is not a matter of intellectual mastery, nor is it a decision. Faith is trust, a relationship of utter dependence on Christ.

• Baptism plays a continual role in the spiritual life of Lutherans. We are always told to 'remember your Baptism'. Every day when you wash your face, said Luther, you should think of your baptism.

• The fact of one's baptism is also tied to the assurance of salvation.