Baptism A Bible Study Course for Adults by John M. Koelpin Leader s Guide Lesson One What Is Baptism?... 4 Lesson Two The Baptismal Service... 9 Lesson Three How Baptism Is Celebrated... 17 Lesson Four What Does Baptism Do?... 24 Lesson Five Baptism s Ongoing Blessings... 30 Lesson Six Whom Should We Baptize?... 35 Lesson Seven Scriptural Allusions to Baptism... 42 All rights reserved. New edition, 2008 Northwestern Publishing House 1250 N. 113th St., Milwaukee, WI 53226-3284 2001 by Northwestern Publishing House Published 2001 Printed in the United States of America ISBN 978-0-8100-1305-6
Baptism Leader s Guide Page 2 Using the computer CD included in this Bible study kit Thank you for purchasing an NPH Bible study kit. The computer CD included with this Bible study offers resources to help you prepare to teach God s Word to his people. What will I find on the CD? Each CD contains two text files, GUIDES.TXT and RESOURCE.TXT, and two directories, GUIDES and RESOURCE. Read the short text files first. The GUIDES.TXT file tells you what is in the GUIDES directory. It lists the various formats for the student s guide copy masters. The RESOURCE.TXT file tells you what is in the RESOURCE directory. It contains a list of articles and resource material you may find helpful in preparing to teach the course. How do I open the text files? There are no programs on this CD. In other words, there is nothing you need to install on your computer and run. These are simple files, such as a letter or sermon you might save on your hard drive. To use these files, simply open them as you would any other file. Most word processors have a window in which you can navigate to various places to locate files. You will need to tell your word processor that you want to find a file on the drive in which you inserted the Bible study CD. This will usually be drive c: or d:. If you are using a Windows word processor, click on drive c: or d: in the Open File window. When you have selected the appropriate drive, it will list the files and directories that are on the Bible study CD. What if no files or directories appear? Some word processors are set to show only files created by or for that program. You need to indicate that you want to see all the files on the CD. A pull-down menu in the Open File window gives you the options for the types of files you want the program to list. Choose all files or the equivalent. All the files and directories on your CD should appear. At this point you should be able to open the two text files. By navigating to the GUIDES and RESOURCE directories, you will be able to view the file names and open their contents as well. How do I use the files in the GUIDES directory? The GUIDES directory contains the student s guide copy masters and leader s guide. The files in the GUIDES directory are provided in both RTF and PDF formats. We have made every effort to provide you with the capability of adapting this Bible study to your needs. However, some degree of reformatting may be necessary to use the RTF files on your computer.
Baptism Leader s Guide Page 3 The files included on this CD can be used by both IBM and Macintosh systems. If you have any questions about using the CD, please call NPH at (414) 615-5773. Microsoft is a registered trademark and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Baptism Leader s Guide Page 9 Lesson Two The Baptismal Service Baptism, Chapters 3,4 Goals 1. To learn about the essential elements of a rite of Baptism. 2. To explore some of the customs that have been added to the baptismal rite. 3. To examine the baptismal service in Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal. Opening Prayer Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with trembling hands we take hold of those means of grace by which you bring spiritual life and strength. We know, Lord, that Baptism is simple water. But it is powerful because you have connected your name and your Word to it. As we celebrate Baptism, guide us so that we may conduct ourselves in an orderly manner that pleases you and show awe and respect for this sacrament. Steer us from anything within our celebration that would go contrary to your Word or obscure Baptism s meaning and power. In thanksgiving for the precious gift of Baptism, we pray. Amen. Introduction What is necessary for a baptism to take place? The essential elements for a proper and valid baptism are water and the Word. Baptism is not merely an abstract idea. Rather, it is something specific that God does to us through the Word (spoken by human mouths) and water (applied by human hands). Simply talking about Baptism does not bring its blessings to our hearts. Baptism has to be performed for it to be effective. Today we will talk about Baptism in practice. The rite of Baptism Acts 8:36,38 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, Look, here is water. Why shouldn t I be baptized? And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. John 3:5 Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. According to the above passages, what is one thing that is necessary for the celebration, or performance, of Baptism?
Baptism Leader s Guide Page 10 It is essential for the celebration of Baptism that water be applied to the one being baptized. Mark 7:4 When they [the Pharisees] come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing [literally, baptizing] of cups, pitchers and kettles. Luke 11:38 The Pharisee, noticing that Jesus did not first wash [literally, baptize] before the meal, was surprised. Hebrews 9:10 They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings [literally, baptisms] external regulations applying until the time of the new order. Under the Old Testament law, God required many items to be baptized. This made these items ceremonially clean. What outward activities were connected with Israel s baptizing? Each passage indicates that water was used to wash something. Note that such baptisms entailed washing and sprinkling water, a point we will return to later in this study. Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. Matthew 28:19,20 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. According to the above passages, what else is necessary for Baptism? In the celebration of Baptism it is necessary that the Word of God be connected with the water. Combining the above two points, what must be present for a baptism to take place? The celebration of Baptism is the washing with water in connection with the Word. When thinking about religious rites, one might picture intricate and involved movements and liturgies. Even some of the rites that we use in our own church body can seem somewhat involved (for example, the rite of confirmation with its examination; white robes; the speaking of blessings, passages, and benedictions; and the making of vows and promises). However, what God considers essential for Baptism is reverently simple. The application of water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit takes only a matter of seconds. Nothing more is needed for a valid baptism. It is so simple, yet it works a great miracle.
Baptism Leader s Guide Page 11 The baptismal service The basic service There are hardly two hymnals (or two church bodies, for that matter) that have the same baptismal rite. All that is necessary for the rite of Baptism is the application of water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If that is present, then the rite is a good one. If that is not present, then the rite is worthless. One must recognize that whatever else surrounds the application of the water with the Word are additions meant to extol the blessing given through water and the Word. They do not make Baptism the powerful means of grace that it is. When evaluating baptismal customs, we must ask if each custom extols God s blessings of Baptism or obscures them. Look at the baptismal service in Christian Worship, and see if you can identify where the actual rite of Baptism is performed, or celebrated. Page 14: The minister applies water to the person presented for baptism as he says:, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The reminder about sin Acts 2:38,39 Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off for all whom the Lord our God will call. According to Peter, what are two blessings of Baptism? Peter tells us that Baptism brings the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peter speaks about receiving the Holy Spirit. What does it mean to be without the Spirit? To be without the Spirit is to be an unbeliever. An unbeliever is still dead in sins and has no faith in Jesus Christ. Psalm 51:5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Ephesians 2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins. Since Baptism brings the blessings of forgiveness and new life through the Spirit, why is it important that a baptismal service contain passages reminding us of sin? The above passages remind us of our deep need for the blessings God gives in Baptism. Already at the time of our conception, we are helpless sinners, dead to God and his blessings. The renouncement Ephesians 2:1,2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the
Baptism Leader s Guide Page 12 ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. As people born dead in sin, to whose kingdom do we belong by nature? By birth, and therefore by nature, we are part of Satan s kingdom. John 3:5 Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Why is it appropriate to include the following question in a baptismal service: Do you reject the devil along with all his lies and empty promises? (CW Occasional Services) We are not born a part of God s kingdom. We need to be born again into God s kingdom. When we enter God s kingdom through Baptism, we leave another allegiance behind our natural-born allegiance with the devil. When we understand what we are leaving behind and what we are entering, it is entirely appropriate to renounce the wicked works and wicked ways of the devil. The reading Mark 10:13-16 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Can you think of any reasons why this passage is often included in baptismal services? Since many infants and children are baptized in our circles, the above reading sets before us God s clear desire to extend his kingdom to them. In fact, not only does God extend his kingdom to children, he uses children as the example of the kind of faith all people must have if they are to enter God s kingdom. Confession of faith and prayer Romans 10:9,10 If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. What outward action does Paul closely link with faith in the heart? Paul indicates that when faith in Christ is present in the heart, the mouth will freely confess that faith. Keeping the confession of faith in mind, why does it seem natural to recite the Apostles Creed (or something similar) in the baptismal service? Since Baptism is a means by which God creates unseen faith in the heart, and since it is natural for us to want to confess our faith, it also seems natural to
Baptism Leader s Guide Page 13 include a confession of faith in the baptismal service. Those in whom God has worked faith through Baptism (including the person being baptized and all those present at the service who have also been baptized) want to have an opportunity to confess their faith with their mouths. Placing the Apostles Creed in the service gives such an opportunity. Acts 9:11 The Lord told him, Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. Prayer is also a natural Christian response to God s grace. What prayers could be included in the Baptism service? One might choose from a variety of prayers that have been crafted over the centuries. For example, Luther penned an excellent prayer for his baptismal service called the Great Flood Prayer, which employs the images of God s use of water throughout salvation history. (See Opening Prayer, p. 42.) However, there can be no improvement upon the prayer that our Lord himself gave us. Therefore, most baptismal rites encourage the use of the Lord s Prayer as a response to God s gifts bestowed in Baptism. 2 Corinthians 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 1 Peter 5:14 Peace to all of you who are in Christ. Philippians 4:23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Why is it good to end a Baptism service with a blessing? The authors of the New Testament often ended their letters with a benediction. Since our services are made up of the back-and-forth conversation between God and us, we naturally want to give God the last word of blessing. The baptismal service is also a back-and-forth conversation between God and us (God speaks to us in the sacrament, forgiving our sins, and we speak back in confession and prayer). So we often conclude it with God s word of blessing to his people. Baptismal customs Below is a list of customs that have been added to Baptism over the centuries. Following that list is a list of passages. See if you can match the passages with the customs. Think through the meaning of each custom. Also consider how some of these practices might be misused. 1. Making the sign of the cross upon the person being baptized 2. Dressing the person being baptized in a pure white garment 3. Lighting a special candle during the baptismal service 4. Giving the person being baptized a new name (christening) a. Isaiah 43:1 This is what the LORD says he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. b. Ezekiel 9:3,4 Then the LORD called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side and said to him, Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and
Baptism Leader s Guide Page 14 put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it. c. John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. d. 1 Corinthians 2:2 I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. e. Galatians 3:26,27 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. f. Matthew 22:11 When the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. Answers: 1. b,d; 2. e,f; 3. c; 4. a. Making the sign of the cross obviously makes no lasting visible mark on the person being baptized. However, it is an appropriate sign of that into which we are baptized, namely, the death of Christ (Romans 6). The white garment symbolizes the purity that is ours through the forgiveness of sins and the robe of Christ s righteousness that God gives us in Baptism. Since Baptism connects us to Christ, the lighting of a candle reminds us of Jesus, who is the Light of the world. It also signifies the light of forgiveness and faith that the Holy Spirit is causing to burn within our hearts in Baptism. Finally, the giving of a Christian name at Baptism reflects the fact that in Baptism we are given a new birth into the family of God. As with all the customs of the church, there is always a danger that they can become heartless traditions done for their own sake rather than to symbolically convey an important spiritual message. Also, without the proper education concerning what is essential for Baptism (water and the Word) and what is not absolutely necessary (any of the listed customs), the true significance and meaning of Baptism can become blurred. The church must continually educate its members in the meaning of the various symbols it uses within the baptismal service and not allow those symbols to detract from the heart of Baptism: the washing of water with the Word. Sponsors and witnesses Church history indicates that sponsors originally served to vouch for the faithfulness of adults who desired Baptism. Since Christianity was for a time an illegal religion, there were those who would pose as sincere catechumens in an effort to infiltrate the ranks of Christians. As a way of making sure a catechumen was indeed sincere and not a government spy, the catechumen would ask another Christian to serve as a sponsor. In time the church began to baptize adults less and children more. This, coupled with the emergence of Christianity as a legal religion, brought a change in emphasis. Sponsors (1) became witnesses of the validity of the baptism (since the children being baptized were often too young to remember the event), (2) encouraged the parents to bring up their child in the faith that God created in the baptism, and (3) prayed for the child.
Baptism Leader s Guide Page 15 One of the terms often used for sponsors is godparents. That reminds us that sponsors are to have a concern for the spiritual well-being of the person being baptized. How does that fact guide you in your choice of sponsors and in what you ask them to do? Since sponsors are to have the spiritual well-being of the baptized child in mind, godparents should share the same faith and confession as that of the godchild. The emphasis on spiritual concern also directs the godparents in their duties. They are to do all they can to encourage the child in his or her spiritual life. Clearly that is possible only if sponsors understand and have a serious concern for the faith of their godchildren. What is the difference between asking someone to be a sponsor and asking him or her to be a witness? A sponsor not only witnesses the baptism but promises to have a concern for and an active part in the godchild s spiritual life. A witness makes no such promise, but merely serves as an eyewitness that the child has been baptized. Who is responsible? Matthew 28:19,20 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. In addition to baptizing, how did Jesus tell us to make disciples? Jesus said to make disciples of all nations by baptizing and by teaching them to obey everything he had commanded. Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. What can happen if baptismal faith is not nourished through the Word? If baptismal faith is not nourished, it will die. Faith is nourished only through the good news of the forgiveness of sins in Christ Jesus. Therefore baptismal faith can only be nourished when the good news is present in the lives of the baptized. We find the good news of the gospel at worship, in family devotions, and in the regular godly conversation of God s people. Who is responsible for the continued teaching of those who are baptized? The primary responsibility for the spiritual nurture of children belongs to parents (especially fathers). In addition to parents, we can include spiritual leaders of the church and the members of the body of Christ (especially the members of the congregation to which the baptized belong). (See Ephesians 4:1-11; 1Thessalonians 5:11;Colossians 3:15,16.)
Baptism Leader s Guide Page 16 The baptismal service in Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal Open Christian Worship to page 12. Examine this baptismal service by asking yourself these questions: Does this baptismal service encourage the use of water and the Word, as mandated by Scripture? Yes, on the top of page 14. Does this service allow for the use of customs the church has traditionally used and is therefore comfortable with? The inclusion or exclusion of any local or traditional customs is up to the congregation. The rite in Christian Worship does not preclude the use of any local or traditional customs. Does this baptismal service add anything that is unique? The baptismal rite in Christian Worship is unique in its flow. It intends to be an integral part of the entire service. For that reason it begins with a corporate confession of sins and absolution based upon Baptism s continued significance in leading us to daily repentance and faith. The rite avoids issues over sponsors by not asking any questions of those present at the font. The only question within the rite (other than those questions asked of an adult on page 13) is asked of the entire congregation. Summary Washing with water through the Word is central to the baptismal service. Over the centuries many customs have been added to Baptism. These customs help to highlight the blessings God gives in Baptism. As we use these customs, we need to remind ourselves of their meaning so that they do not become meaningless or overshadow the baptism itself. God s people, however, have a continuing responsibility to teach the baptized person the truths of God s Word so he or she can grow in faith. This responsibility may fall to sponsors, but it is most often carried out by the parents of the baptized person, together with the body of believers with whom they worship. Finally, as a group of believers who have found value in using a common order of service for Baptism, we do well to evaluate it from time to time, to see for ourselves that it concurs with Scripture. During the week 1. Think about some of the baptisms you have seen lately, asking yourself who performed the baptism and where and how it was performed. 2. Consider the connection between Baptism and confirmation.