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April 2002
Volume Six, Number Two
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Our True Identity By the Rev. Herbert C. Mueller Jr., President of the Southern Illinois District, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod In Baptism, God gives us our true identity, our real life, our Christian vocation, our daily bath, and our eternal destiny. In essence, these gifts of God are each found in Christ, given when we are buried with Christ in His death and raised with Him in His resurrection (in Baptism). Jesus shapes our identity, gives us our real life, calls us to a life of service, daily cleanses us, and assures us we are His forever. |
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Baptism--Past, Present, and Future Tense By the Rev. Dr. David P. Scaer, Professor and Chairman of Systematic Theology, Holder of the David P. Scaer Chair of Systematic and Biblical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary The New Testament knows of only one Baptism that can be administered only once. This one-time act continues to offer the blessings of salvation, even when those baptized no longer have faith. Without faith, these blessings cannot be received, but they are still there. Since Baptism is an act of the Triune God who is present in the water, this Sacrament remains the firm foundation to which all who are baptized can return to find salvation. It creates, confirms, and works through faith, but it does not depend on it. |
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Baptism in the Public Square By Jennifer L. Hamer, Member of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Riverview, Fla., and Teacher at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Brandon, Fla. Is Baptism necessary? In conversations with friends or family members, I am sure we have all encouraged statements such as "I am going to let my child decide if he wants to be baptized" or "I believe in God; I do not need baptism." Baptism is God's seal on this child for all of eternity, never to be outgrown or cast aside. Baptism is not dependent on the knowledge or emotions of the child, nor the child's ability to make a decision. Nor is it necessary in the case of infants for faith to precede baptism. It is enough that the parents answer on behalf of the child. |
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I am Baptized: What Does This Mean? By the Rev. John T. Pless, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., and Editor of For the Life of the World magazine. |
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In the Field: By Monica Robins Featuring the Rev. David M. Young, Pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Eyota, Minn. |
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