Listen to this devotion
The Cleansing Water
In the Word
Baptism … now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, … (1 Peter 3:21).
Of the Word
New parents are bombarded with lists of “necessities” for their baby! Everyone has recommendations for the best car seat, stroller, and diapers, as well as differing opinions on feeding and sleeping schedules.
Realizing many things are essential to the physical well-being of a newborn, the Christian parent is also concerned about the child’s spiritual needs. As cute as this tiny baby is, sin separates the child from its Creator. God’s plan to redeem us meant sending His own Son to conquer sin by dying for us on the cross. That new life comes to us through the Holy Spirit in Baptism.
Baptism … now saves you … through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21). Parents present the baby entrusted to them to the mercy of the Eternal Father. By grace, Baptism is a means of salvation by which the Holy Spirit produces faith in the child. The child receives the sign of the cross and assurance of life forever. That is the best gift parents can give their precious child.
Walking with my Lord
Father, I thank You for this precious gift You have given to me. Enable me to nurture and instruct my child according to Your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Everyday Celebrations. Authors: Elaine Bickel and Jan Struck. 20/28 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40195
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
