The Baptism of Our Lord

Baptism and the Means of Grace

Greetings in Christ Jesus,

As we observe the Baptism of our Lord this Sunday, it’s a good time for us to review how Baptism is deemed a sacrament and a “Means of Grace.”

The book “The Lutheran Difference” writes,

The “means of grace” are ways or vehicles through which God gives us His gifts— forgiveness of sins and eternal life. The means of grace include God’s Word and God’s Sacraments of Holy Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Scripture teaches that the Sacraments:
• are instituted and commanded by God (Matthew 28:19);
• include a visible element connected with God’s Word (Ephesians 5:26);
• convey God’s grace, the promise of forgiveness of sins, and eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26; Acts 2:38–39).

While not all churches have the same understanding regarding the sacraments, the words above give us a good Scriptural lens to understand how Jesus continues to come to us today.

In Christ,
Pastor Rogness

PS: If you are interested in the book “The Lutheran Difference,” you can purchase it at Concordia Publishing House.