Holy Baptism
Q51. How can water do such great things?
It is not the water alone that does these things. It is God's Word together with the water, and faith that trusts God's Word. Without God's Word, it is just plain water. But with God's Word, Baptism is a life-giving water, full of grace, and a washing of new birth in the Holy Spirit.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Titus 3:5–7
Ephesians 5:26
1 Peter 3:21
“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does the catechism say makes Baptism more than just water?
- 2
What does it mean to call Baptism "a life-giving water" and "a washing of new birth"?
- 3
Why is faith in God's Word so important for Baptism?
Illustration
An ordinary envelope is just paper. But if it contains a check for a million dollars, the paper carries something far beyond its own value. The water of Baptism is ordinary water, but God's Word fills it with his promise. The power is not in the water itself. The power is in God's Word attached to the water.
Application
When you see water this week, let it remind you of your baptism. At the sink, in the rain, at the drinking fountain. Each time, say a short prayer: "Thank you, God, that in Baptism you gave me new birth through your Word."
Read Luther’s expanded teaching
From the Large Catechism (1529)