Baptism is not our work; and whether I believe or disbelieve, it remains good and valid in itself. However, this is also true: If I believe, it benefits me; on the other hand, if I do not believe, Baptism will not redound to my good in all eternity. For Christ says: He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:16). For this is God’s Word. Therefore it will endure. Furthermore, we are to know that God is actively at work in Baptism without regard to my work or yours. For the Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are present in Baptism. The Son has rendered satisfaction with His body. The Holy Spirit has manifested Himself in the form of a dove; but when He makes Himself visible in the form of a dove, He is not blended with a natural dove as the Son is fused with our humanity. The Father is heard in the voice. And now whoever is baptized and believes is saved; however, anyone who disbelieves does not thereby nullify Baptism. Martin Luther Luther Works, AE 22:175, Sermons on the Gospel of St. John, John 1:34
Posted on: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 12:31:25 +0000
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