Catechisma
Luther's Small (Kids)
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Holy Baptism

Q47. What is Baptism?

Baptism is not just plain water. It is water used with God's command and joined with God's Word.

Scripture Proofs — King James Version

1

Matthew 28:19

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

Ephesians 5:26

Parent Guide

Discuss this question together

Discussion Questions

  1. 1

    What makes Baptism more than just plain water?

  2. 2

    What two things are joined together in Baptism according to the catechism?

  3. 3

    Were you baptized, and do you know the story of your baptism day?

Illustration

Water by itself is just water. You use it to drink, wash dishes, and fill swimming pools. But when God attaches his Word and his command to that water, it becomes something completely different. Baptism is water that carries God's own promise. The water does not change, but what God does through it changes everything.

Application

Ask your parents to tell you about the day you were baptized. If they have a photo or a certificate, look at it together. Because God joined his Word to that water, your baptism day is a day worth remembering.

Read Luther’s expanded teaching

From the Large Catechism (1529)