A Lutheran Theology Of Baptism

Lutheran theology maintains a sacramental view of baptism. It links the effectiveness of baptism not with the water itself, but with the Word of God. It also values the role of faith as a response to God's Word in making the sacrament fruitful. These themes are more fully explained in the article that follows. In Lutheran theology, baptism is one of two chief sacraments (together with the Lord's Supper). It is the foundational sacrament of the Christian life and a means of grace. Baptism conveys the promise of salvation accomplished in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and it establishes the baptized within the church, where the kingdom of God is realized through faith overflowing in love and is anticipated in its fullness through hope. Baptism exhibits all the features of a sacrament according to the Lutheran understanding. It is commanded by God; it is constituted by God's Word of promise joined to an earthly element; and it is received by faith. First, the external act…