If you have ever wondered what is Holy Baptism, you have arrived at one of the most comforting teachings in all of Christianity. For Lutherans, Baptism is not first of all something we do for God — it is something God does for us. In the water and the Word, the triune God washes away sin, gives new birth, and claims a person as His own dear child. It is one of the two Sacraments instituted by Christ, alongside the Lord’s Supper, and a cornerstone of what we confess on our What We Believe page.
What Is Holy Baptism? Luther’s Small Catechism
When Lutherans teach the faith — to children, to new members, and to one another — we turn to Luther’s Small Catechism. Its very first question about this Sacrament asks plainly, “What is Baptism?”
“Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.”
Luther’s Small Catechism — The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
That “command and word” comes from the lips of the risen Jesus Himself, in the same Great Commission the Church confesses on Holy Trinity Sunday:
“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 (ESV)
What Gifts Does Baptism Give?
Because Baptism is God’s work joined to His promise, it actually gives what it says. The Small Catechism answers the question, “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.”
Luther’s Small Catechism — The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
This is why St. Peter could say on the Day of Pentecost, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). And it is why St. Paul calls Baptism “the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). Baptism is a means of grace — one of the ways God delivers the forgiveness Jesus won on the cross directly to you.
How Can Water Do Such Great Things?
The power of Baptism is never in the water itself. As Luther asks, “How can water do such great things?” — and answers that it is “certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water” that gives new life, “along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water.” Take away God’s Word and you have only water; add God’s Word and you have, in Luther’s phrase, “a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit.”
This is also why Lutherans gladly baptize infants. All people, even the youngest, are born sinful and need the new birth only God can give (Psalm 51:5; John 3:5–6). Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me” (Mark 10:14), and Peter’s promise is explicit: “the promise is for you and for your children” (Acts 2:39). Baptism does not depend on the strength of our understanding but on the strength of God’s Word — good news for infants and adults alike.
Living in Your Baptism Every Day
Baptism happens once, but its gift is for a lifetime. St. Paul writes that “we were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4) — the very text Pastor Ramstad preached around in the Third Sunday after Pentecost sermon. The Small Catechism teaches that this daily significance means:
“The Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.”
Luther’s Small Catechism — The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
This is why Luther encouraged Christians to begin each day by making the sign of the cross and remembering, “I am baptized.” Whenever you see water — in a creek, in the morning shower, in a glass at dinner — you have a daily reminder of who you are and whose you are. The hymn writer captures it beautifully:
God’s own child, I gladly say it:
“God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It” — Lutheran Service Book 594, stanza 1
I am baptized into Christ!
He, because I could not pay it,
Gave my full redemption price.
Do I need earth’s treasures many?
I have one worth more than any
That brought me salvation free,
Lasting to eternity!
Come and See
Whether you are considering Baptism for yourself or your child, returning to the faith, or simply asking questions, we would love to walk alongside you. The same God who claimed His people at the font claims sinners still today — washing, forgiving, and making them new. To learn more about the Christian faith as Lutherans confess it, see our What We Believe page, read about Lutheran Confirmation (the way the baptized later confess the faith for themselves), or explore the teaching of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Have questions about Baptism, or want to schedule one? Contact Pastor Ramstad or plan a visit to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2616 S Connecticut Ave, Joplin, MO 64804. You can also browse our sermons to hear the Gospel preached week by week. All are welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holy Baptism
Do Lutherans baptize babies?
Yes. Because all people are born sinful and need the new birth God gives, and because Jesus welcomes little children and promises Baptism “for you and for your children” (Acts 2:39), Lutherans baptize infants as well as adults. Baptism rests on God’s Word and promise, not on the age or understanding of the one being baptized.
Does Baptism save you?
Scripture says so plainly: “Baptism…now saves you” (1 Peter 3:21), and Jesus says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). Lutherans confess that Baptism saves not because the water is special, but because God’s Word and promise are joined to it, delivering the forgiveness Christ won on the cross. It is received by faith, which the Holy Spirit Himself creates. Learn more on our What We Believe page.
Should a person be baptized more than once?
No. There is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). Because Baptism is God’s act and God’s promise, it never needs to be repeated. Instead, Christians return to their one Baptism daily in repentance and faith, confident that its gift still stands.
Does Baptism require immersion, or is sprinkling valid?
The Greek word for baptize covers pouring, sprinkling, and immersing, and Scripture does not command one specific amount of water. What makes a Baptism valid is water applied in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together with God’s Word. At Immanuel, Baptisms are typically done by pouring water at the font.
What does it mean to “live in your Baptism”?
It means daily remembering that you belong to Christ. As the Small Catechism teaches, the “Old Adam” is drowned through daily repentance, and a new person rises to live before God. Luther urged believers to begin each day with the sign of the cross and the words “I am baptized.” It is a lifelong return to the promise God made to you in the water and the Word.
Immanuel Lutheran Church is located at 2616 S Connecticut Ave, Joplin, MO 64804. Summer worship (June–August): one service at 9:00 a.m. Beginning September, services are at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.