Suite101 e-Book
Make Disciples - Baptize Them

Introduction

One of the core Lutheran teachings centers on baptism. One theologian has called Lutheran theology “baptismal theology.” Luther saw his baptism as integral to his daily life. He would say, “I do not consider that I was baptized, but that I am baptized.” In his Small Catechism Luther writes of baptism as signifying that “by daily contrition and repentance we drown the Old Adam.”

Lutherans have had to defend their position on infant baptism. Some look to the Great Commission at the end of Matthew’s Gospel and see, in English, a four step process: Go into the world, make disciples, baptize, and teach. But the original Greek has two main clauses and two subordinate clauses. The disciples were commanded to “Go into all the world” and “make disciples of all nations.” How were the Apostles to “make disciples?” By “baptizing” and by “teaching all things.”

This book explores the intricacies of infant baptism and baptism in general in the Lutheran church. For Lutherans believe this is the means where God imparts to us the forgiveness he won on Calvary’s cross. It is a means through which God creates and strengthens faith.

Nicolai Grundtvig wrote about baptism’s role in the Lutheran church when he penned in his hymn, “Built on the Rock the Church Doth Stand,” these words: "Here stands the font before our eyes Telling how God did receive us."

It is my hope and prayer that you see your baptism as more than a religious rite or ceremony. May you see in your baptism a claim made by God for you as His very own.

Table of Contents

• Why We Left Lutheranism - Infant Baptism
• Why We Left Lutheranism - The Mode of Baptism is Non-essential
• Luther's Catechisms: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
• Luther and Baptism
• Commentary on the Sacrament of Holy Baptism
• Baptism: Buried in Christ's Death; Raised in His Resurrection
• Matthew's Baptism
• Frequently Asked Questions