Because forgiveness is so important, God also communicates forgiveness to His children in three similar ways. There is the verbal expression of forgiveness. As we sincerely confess our sins and look to God for forgiveness, God announces to us the forgiveness of our sins through what Jesus did on the cross. But God also physically brings us forgiveness of sins through baptism, which combines water and his word of promise. God actively gives his forgiveness to us through a special meal called “The Lord's Supper”.
On this day, we'll look at how God conveys forgiveness to us through Baptism and The Lord's Supper.
Baptism
Baptism is the application of water (pouring or sprinkling) upon the person's head or immersion of the whole body in water, done in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. It is Jesus who commands baptism as the foundational step in becoming a disciple (follower) of his. (See Matthew 28:19.)
Baptism is the way that God…
• brings forgiveness of sins to us (Acts 2:38).
• makes us his children (Galatians 3:26-27).
• gives us his presence, the indwelling of His Holy Spirit in our hearts (Acts 2:38).
• assures us of salvation (1 Peter 3:21).
• helps us fight against sin & begin a new life with Him daily (Romans 6:4).
You may be asking how water can do such wonderful things for you. Martin Luther (a great religious teacher of the 1500’s) answered this question in the following way:
“Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no baptism. But with the word of God it is a baptism, that is a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three: ‘He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.’”
God offers forgiveness to everyone through baptism. Infants and children need the forgiveness given in baptism, as they are born with a sinful nature. Adults need baptism for the washing away of their sins to bring them into a relationship with God and assure them they are a precious child of God. If you have not been baptized or if you have a child that has
not been baptized, most certainly the Lord would want you to take this step in faith and receive the wonderful gift offered in baptism. Please talk to a Pastor about baptism.
The Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper (also called Holy Communion or The Eucharist) is another very special way that God brings His forgiveness won by Jesus on the cross. At the first Lord's Supper Jesus took bread, gave it to His followers, and instructed them, "Take and eat, this is my body given for you." He also took the cup of wine and said to His followers, "Take and drink, this is my blood of the New Testament poured out for the forgiveness of sins."
In this powerful meal Jesus gives us His body and blood in the bread and wine. How He can do this we do not know. But we trust Him that as he gives us the bread and wine, He gives us His body and blood. And for all who receive this meal believing, He gives them his forgiveness. This is powerful medicine for healing of the soul, and therefore like all medicine, must be properly administered and must be properly received. The baptized Christian is taught always to spiritually prepare so that this gift of The Lord’s Supper may be properly received with confession and faith, thanksgiving and joy. Again, speak with a pastor, so that he may see that you are prepared to receive the blessing of the Lord’s body and blood given in the bread and wine.
God, in His kindness, brings us His forgiveness and builds our relationship with Him through Baptism and The Lord's Supper. They are called Sacraments because they are sacred and holy gifts from God. These gifts are always received with thanksgiving for the forgiveness and life that they give.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, you know the extent of my sin and I am thankful that you provide ways for me to receive your forgiveness. Help me to learn to draw upon these ways, that I may be strengthened in my relationship with you. Through Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
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