Baptism

​Baptism is a wonderful thing.  I was just witness to the baptism of my cousin’s first child.  I remember my children’s baptisms as if they were yesterday.  I have been to many baptisms throughout my life and some of the ones that seem to stand out the most to me are baptisms of those I have witnessed here at New Beginnings.  That moment when they receive that Holy Sacrament brings overwhelming joy to my heart!

​So what is Baptism?  Well, according to Dictionary.com it is a ceremonial immersion in water, or application of water, as an initiatory rite or sacrament of the Christian Church.  That seemed a little generic to me so I dug a little deeper.  I went straight to the WELS website and thought I would look up what it means to the church.  On WELS.NET it says “The Bible and Lutherans teach that baptism is a holy act.  It is instituted by God.  Using water and God’s Word it offers and gives the forgiveness of sins, spiritual life, and eternal salvation.  It is meant for young and old, including children.  Infants also are sinful and therefore need the spiritual rebirth brought about through baptism.”

​The Bible is full of references to Baptism.  We learn what baptism is, that Jesus was baptized and what Jesus commands of us.  In 1 Peter 3:21 it says “and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.  It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”  The account of Jesus’ own baptism in Luke 3:21-22 “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too.  And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.  And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’”  The Lord commands us in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 saying “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

​What does all of this mean?  Well, according to Luther’s Catechism it means that baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.  Luther also answers the question “What does such baptizing with water mean?”  He answered “Such baptizing with water means that the old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts; and that a new man daily come forth and arise, who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.”

​Baptism truly is a great blessing.  What a wonderful God we have that blesses us this way through the Holy Spirit!

Christina Pritzlaff is married with two children. She has completed Early Childhood 1 & 2 classes, Infant Toddler classes, and completed the coursework for her Associates degree in Child Development. Christina splits her time between spending time with her family and working at New Beginnings. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children, camping, fishing, reading, and doing counted cross-stitch.

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