I was in Burger King one evening when two men waiting in line started shouting religious slogans, I guess with the intention of converting the heathen diners into Christians. The problem  was a lot of their slogans were directed against other Christians. “Water baptism avails nothing,” one man yelled. I’ve run into this before. Some Christians just can’t believe God works through created means like Baptism and Holy Communion. I don’t argue with them. I just feel sorry that some people have such a narrow view of what God can do.

Here are a few bits from Luther’s Small Catechism about Baptism.

What benefits does Baptism give?
It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

How can water do such great things?
Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a lifegiving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit . . .

I take confidence in this teaching because it puts the emphasis on what God does, not us. I can always count on God. Myself? Not so much.

“Are you saved?” they ask. I answer unequivocally, “YES!” Salvation is God’s free gift in Jesus Christ. Thank God!

Read Titus 3:5-18 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally (for real).

Wayne