“To be baptized in God’s name is to be baptized not by men, but by God Himself. Therefore, though it is performed by human hands, it is still truly God’s own work. From this fact everyone may readily conclude that Baptism is a far higher work than any work performed by a man or a saint. For what work can we do that is greater than God’s work?”
Martin Luther, Large Catechism, On Baptism
When we think of the Means of Grace, I want to look at the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther as he wrote in the Large Catechism which is a collection of sermons he gave covering the Small Catechism. For Luther, the teaching of the Catechism was a regular practice, not only for children but for adults and families including himself and his family. It is formative for our faith not only through Confirmation but through all our faith walk. Sadly, this is something that can easily be set aside and left behind. Personally, this is a growing edge for my household, and I have found it to be refreshing, however, it does take intentionality because it is easier to seek after other things. Yet, the richness of the words continually opens new avenues of remembrance and deepens the reading of Scripture. Like, regular reading of Scripture the regular study of the Catechism is very fulfilling.
As we think of Baptism and these deeper words from Luther, it is a reminder of the need for us to be thoughtful of what those waters mean. The Means of Grace are continually under attack in our world as many try to minimize the power of these acts. They are not just things we do, but within them, we find God’s salvation for us all and His promises given to us in this water as it is joined to the Word of God. As we cling to the Word of God and hold fast to the promises given to us in Baptism we will be able to cling to the sureness of our salvation given to us in Christ Jesus. The deceptions that were prevalent in the time of Luther and continue still today are the mentality of the work of God being of our choosing and the mindset that we are called to work out our salvation. Yet, in Christ, we know the work is completed. Salvation and forgiveness are already given and our life is the fruit of our acceptance of these gifts. Let us be mindful of God’s saving gift and let our lives be lived out as a witness to the saving grace of our Lord.