August 24, 2023 | Martin Luther – Day 13

 

“We should not doubt at all that wherever one is being Baptized the heavens are assuredly open and the entire Trinity is present and through its own presence sanctifies and blesses the person being Baptized.”

Martin Luther

 

 

One might read the above quote and think that Martin Luther is being a tad hyperbolic. After all, God must have better things to do than to witness every Baptism in Trinity.

 

 

In reality, Martin Luther uses strong and vividly beautiful language to try and paint a picture of what God Himself has created Baptism to be. In 1 Peter 3:21, the Apostle explains the gift of Baptism to his readers saying, “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

 

His fellow Apostle, Paul, after his journey to Damascus received these words from Ananias, a devout man of God whom God had given the power to give back to Paul his sight, “And now why do you wait? Rise and be Baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (Acts 22:16).

 

 

Finally, the importance of Baptism is stated by our Savior in John 3:5, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

 

 

From Scripture we learn just how vital Baptism is. From the above Scripture we learn that Baptism is a spiritual cleansing made possible through the sacrifice of God’s only Son. Secondly, it has been instituted to wipe away every sin that stands between us and God. And finally, it paves a way to heaven, guided by God’s Spirit through the regeneration of our souls.

 

 

So, it is no wonder that the heavens rejoice at every Baptism. Through this blessed Sacrament, we are joined with all believers to the promises of God, “For in one Spirit we are all Baptized into one body – Jews or Greeks, slaves or free – and all were made to drink of one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13).

 

 

Today, give thanks to God for loving you enough to provide a way to be with Him forever.

 

 

Our Prayer: Thank you, heavenly Father, for giving us the incredible gift of our Baptism. Help us to more fully understand the enormity of this gift and lead us to a greater appreciation of Your grace. Amen.