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The Sacraments

"We Believe, Teach, and Confess the Sacraments"

On this page we will examine the meaning of the word "sacrament," and those rites which are recognized by the
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod as sacraments.

"What is a Sacrament?"
The word Sacrament comes from the Latin "Sacramentum" which has several meanings, among them:
1) A secret;  2) A gospel revelation;  3) A sacred act;  4) A rite of the church;  5) and the office of the ministry.

Historically. The Lutheran Church has defined a sacrament as a sacred act;
 

  • instituted by God;

  • in which God Himself has joined His Word of promise to the visible element;

  • and by which He offers, gives and seals the forgiveness of sins earned by Christ

What is the Sacrament of Holy Baptism?
"It is nothing else than a divine water; not that the water in itself is nobler than other water, but that God's Word and commandment are added to it "Large Catechism IV14". Baptism means to apply water by immersing, washing or pouring. What is so special about the water of Baptism?

baptism-stained-glass-square.jpg

We believe, teach, and confess that:

  • The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is not just plain water, but the water included in God's command and combined with God's word. Christ says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matt.:28-29)

  • Jesus Christ Himself instituted Baptism, commanding His church to baptize all nations (Matt.:28-29-20)

  • Baptizing in the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, receives us into communion fellowship with Christ;

  • Holy Baptism is not a water-only or a Spirit-only baptism, but a water-and-Spirit Baptism.

  • Water alone does not save. But the word of God in and with the water does this, along with faith which trusts the word of God in the water. For without God's word the water is plain water and not Baptism.

  • All people "all nations" are to be baptized, that is; all people, young and old;

  • Those who can receive instruction are to be baptized after instruction in the main articles of Christian faith;

  • Babies are to be baptized because they are included in the words, "all nations"; because Jesus invites the little children to come unto Him (Luke 18:15-17); and as sinners, babies need what Baptism offers (John 3:5-6, Eph. 2:3)

  • Baptism works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe in the words and promises God declares;

  • Jesus says, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." (Mk: 16-16);

  • Christ won forgiveness and salvation for us with His perfect life, suffering and resurrection; distributing the same forgiveness in Baptism, a means of grace, and giving these blessings to all who believe in God's promise;

  • It is only unbelief that condemns. Faith cannot exist in the heart of person who rejects Baptism against their better knowledge. But those who believe the Gospel, yet die before they are baptized are not condemned.

  • God's words of institution puts the blessings of forgiveness of sins, life and salvation into Baptism. Faith, which trusts this word of God in the water, takes the blessings out and makes them our own.

  • In Baptism, the Holy Spirit works faith and creates in us new spiritual life with the power to overcome sin.

  • In Baptism the Old Adam-the corrupt nature that we inherit because of Adam's fall into sin-is drowned by daily contrition (sorrow for sins) and repentance (faith), which helps us to overcome sinful desires.

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