Comforted Through Baptism
he saved us—not by righteous works that we did ourselves, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and the renewal by the Holy Spirit, (Titus 3:5)
When Martin Luther was depressed or discouraged, he would comfort himself with the saying, “Surely, I am baptized.” This gave him comfort because of the blessings and benefits that we receive through baptism.
Through baptism, God gives to us the blessings of faith and forgiveness of sins. He gives us salvation and eternal life. He makes us his children. But as his children, we still struggle with sin. We are sinners/ saints, who struggle to lead lives that are pleasing to God. When we fall into temptation, we can become discouraged.
But God reminds us that he saved us. It does not depend on us, or the things that we do. It does not depend on our ability to do what pleases God. Faith is what matters. And faith comes through the washing that we received in our baptism. Our salvation comes to us because of God’s mercy. And this motivates us to live lives that are pleasing to God. Amen.
The song for today is “Baptized into Your Name Most Holy” by Concordia Publishing House