Prev | Current Page 248 | Next

Stump, Joseph

"An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism"

--Naaman, II Kings 5:1-14.


CHAPTER XXXVI.

IV. _What does such baptising with water signify?_
It signifies that the old Adam in us is to be drowned and destroyed by
daily sorrow and repentance, together with all sins and evil lusts; and
that again the new man should daily come forth and rise, that shall live
in the presence of God in righteousness and purity forever.
_Where is it so written?_
St. Paul, in the epistle to the Romans, chapter 6, verse 4, says: "We
are buried with Christ by baptism into death; that like as He was raised
up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk
in newness of life."
* * * * *
THE DUTY WHICH BAPTISM IMPOSES.
Baptism bestows upon us the great privilege of being children of God;
but it also imposes upon us the duty to live and act as God's children.
Every one who is baptized promises, either with his own lips or through
his sponsors, that he will live thus. God is always faithful to His part
of the baptismal covenant; we should always be faithful to ours.


Pages:
236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260