Memory #61-70
61 How can water do such great things?
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 just plain water and no baptism. But with the word of God it is a baptism that is 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
62 Titus 3:5-8
He saved us…by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
whom He poured out on us richly 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.
63 Colossians 3:12
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts,
kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
64 What does such baptizing with water indicate?
It indicates that the Old Adam in us should be daily contrition and repentance be
drowned and die with all the sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily
emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
65 Where is this written?
St. Paul writes in Romans chapter six: "We were therefore buried with Him through
baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through
the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 6:4
66 Revelation 21:3
"Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they
will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God."
67 What is confession?
Confession has two parts. First, that we confess our sins, and second, that we
receive absolution, that is, forgiveness, from the pastor as from God Himself, not
doubting, but firmly believing that by it our sins are forgiven before God in heaven.
68 Isaiah 43:3-4
I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…
you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you."
69 What sins should we confess?
Before God we should plead guilty of all sins, even those we are not aware of, as
do in the Lord's Prayer, but before the pastor we should confess only those sins
which we know and feel in our hearts.
70 Romans 10:17
Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
71 John 6: 47-48
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life.