Holy Baptism
Q52. Where is this written?
St. Paul writes in Titus, chapter three: "He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying."
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Titus 3:5–8
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does St. Paul call Baptism in the passage from Titus?
- 2
Who poured out the Holy Spirit on us, and through whom?
- 3
What does it mean to be made an "heir" of eternal life?
Illustration
An heir is someone who will receive everything their parents own. A prince does not earn the kingdom. He is born into it. Through Baptism, God makes us heirs of eternal life. We did not earn it. We were washed into it by the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ.
Application
Read Titus 3:5-7 together. Circle or underline every word that describes what God does versus what we do. Notice that God does all the saving. Thank him that Baptism is his work, not yours.
Read Luther’s expanded teaching
From the Large Catechism (1529)