The Benefits of Baptism

What does baptism give or profit?

It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe what the Word and promises of God declare.  The Holy Spirit creates faith by use of the sacrament, and all who desire forgiveness of their guilt are admitted to the sacrament.

pg. 265 Martin Luther's Theology

He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned. Mark 16:16 Amplified Bible

Matthew Henry's Commentary says...They shall be saved from the guilt, and power of sin, it shall not rule them, it shall not ruin them. He that is a true Christian shall be saved through Christ.

...Baptism is no harmless ritual; it is a battle against evil. Pastor, parents, sponsors, and the congregation, ought to "throw everything that they have into the fight for the child against the devil and to act in such a manner that they make this so important that it is no fun for the devil." ... pg 270 Martin Luther's Theology

This is about us, today! This is what our faithful pastors, parents, and friends do to us daily. 

Your baptism is an indelible mark, and cannot be removed! Praise the Lord for His steadfast love and unceasing mercies!

I am not ashamed of the Gospel!

   For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. 2 Timothy 1:7-9

Matthew Henry's Commentary says...The gospel aims at our salvation: He has saved us, and we must not think much to suffer for that which we hope to be saved by. He has begun to save us and will complete it in due time; for God calls those things that are not (that are not yet completed) as those they were (Rom. 4:17); therefore he says, who has saved us...Christianity is a calling, a holy calling; the calling wherewith we are called, the calling which we are called to labour in... 

This passage in his commentary is pretty exciting! We are called not according to our works - that means not because of ANYTHING we have done. But, we are called according to His own purpose and grace! Thank you Jesus!