Catechesis Notes for the Week — Holy Baptism: The Sacrament of Salvation! “Jesus defines Holy Baptism as the new birth of water and the Spirit. This new birth is the miracle of faith in Christ. The Holy Sprit gives birth to faith in Christ through the seed of the Word of God that is implanted in the water. Faith in Christ and Holy Baptism are inseparable linked together as necessary for salvation. To say that Baptism is necessary for salvation is to say that Christ Jesus is necessary for salvation because He alone suffered and died for our sins, and He is the salvation given to us by the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. We cannot enter the kingdom of God apart from faith in Christ. “To be born” spiritually, therefore, is to be given the gift of faith in Christ. This gift of faith is born of water and the Spirit—Holy Baptism. Through the Word of God in Baptism, the Holy Spirit promises salvation in Christ and gives the gift of faith. Our sinful flesh can produce only sin and unbelief. But the Holy Spirit creates faith and declares us righteous for Jesus’ sake. This is why the Holy Spirit is called ‘the Lord and giver of life.” [Excerpt from Lutheran Catechesis: Catechist Edition, p. 220a]CP240114