Hymn 752 - Baptized in Water

Last week we looked at a hymn which was instructional on the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. This weekend we will focus on the Sacrament of Baptism. Both the the Lord's Supper and Baptism are works of God, not of man. The Apostle Paul wrote in Titus 3:4-7: "But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Notice how Paul shows clearly that this is the work of God, not of man. God is at work in the "Washing of regeneration."

In Baptism, the blessings of Christ's work for sinners becomes mine (and yours) personally! Jesus died for the world of sinners, but the benefits of His work (forgiveness of sins, life and salvation) only become ours through the working of the Holy Spirit who creates faith in the hearts of sinners. In Baptism, God puts His name on us, and receives us, by adoption, into His family. This is what Baptism is all about. Paul writes in Ephesians 5:25-27: "...Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." Thanks be to God!

All that God has done for us in Christ and through Baptism gives us motivation to sing praises to God, faithfully, thankfully, and joyfully!

Lift your voices this weekend and join together with your fellow believers to sing praise to God for His work of salvation in the cross and received through Baptism! May the LORD bless your worship!