3-2-11: Lesson #16, part 1 (of 3) on the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. 

Class notes:

Lutheran Catechesis: Lesson 16
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism (part 1 of 3)

Review/Quiz

Central thought: Baptism is God’s work.  Baptism saves.  Baptism unites us with Christ.

Memory for next time:
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism, first & second part

The Word of Faith: Matthew 3:13—17
•Note John’s surprise when Jesus comes to him for baptism (Matt 3:14).  Why is this surprising?  Because Jesus is perfect, and has no need for the forgiveness baptism offers.
•Why, then, was Jesus baptized?  He is acting as though he were a sinner, standing in the place of sinners, taking our sin upon himself.

Terms:
See glossary, p. 305.  Study these & learn.
•Baptism: means “washing”; a washing of water by the word; forgives sins, drowns the Old Adam, creates faith in Jesus, gives the Holy Spirit, names us as children of God by joining us to Jesus’ death & resurrection.
•the word of promise in Baptism: the name of God into which we are baptized (“in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”  This makes us sons of God and heirs with Christ of eternal life.
•Original sin: the sinful nature that is a part of every human being since Adam.  Sinners are enemies of God, spiritually dead, and without free will to choose between right & wrong.
•the righteousness of God: That God the Father offered up His Son in payment for man’s sin.  Jesus’ perfect life and obedient death fulfilled the will of God in our place. 

A Look at the Divine Liturgy: The Sign of the Holy Cross; remembrance of Baptism in the Divine Service
•Symbolism of the cross (p. 213): united into death & resurrection in baptism (Rom 6).  Cross made personal; reminds us of our baptism and the promises God has made to us for Jesus’ sake.
•Use of sign of the cross in catechism & liturgy (p. 213).
•How to make the sign of the cross (213)
•Use of the body in prayer: sign of cross; folded hands, closed eyes, kneeling, standing, bowing, speaking, singing (214).