Here is my first post…how exciting for me!!!
The orginal can be found with melody and text here.
As Lutherans we are all taught in our Catechesis class what Baptism is and what it profits, as put by Luther, "It is not simple water only, but it is the water comprehended in God’s command and connected with God’s word," and "It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare." And yet, some seem to lose joy of this great event. I am guilty of this as much as the next person. I myself, in the past, even used to deny Baptism’s certainty!!! Even in spite of this lack of joy or crass denial on my part, as a friend of mine has said, "You can’t take my Baptism away!"
Such a statement is meet, right and salutary. No man, person on the earth, satan, death, hell, your lack of joy, and even doubts can take your Baptism away, by which you were made a child of our heavenly Father, redeemed out your lost condition, and given saving faith in Christ, God’s Son, who, by virtue of the font, becomes bound to you, and you into His death. Such joy cannot be contained. Such joy is a treasure, but it pales in comparison to the treasure of Christ received in Baptism. As St. Peter said, "Baptism now saves you," and, "This promise is for you and your children." -This is also contained with the liturgy used at Baptisms.- It is even a treasure to which you can return when you sin, which is done daily and much. As Luther says in his large catechism, "Thus we see what a great and excellent thing Baptism is, which snatches us from the jaws of the devil and makes God our own, overcomes and takes away sin and daily strengthens the new man, always remains until we pass from this present misery to eternal glory."
What great joy to think that through all things I can see Christ, in light of my Baptism! This is true freedom, the freedom which every Christian receives in his or her Baptism. Living faith welling up to eternal life. Freedom from the law, for Baptism has freed from satan, and his accusations, death, and its sting, and the world, which can only kill us. -And death has no sting!!!- Behold! What Christ has said is true, once you are free you are freed indeed! Such great mysteries were put into a great hymn by Erdmann Neumeister. It’s text is below, and melody above! And remember, "if anyone falls away from his Baptism let him return to it. As Christ, the mercy-seat, does not recede from us or forbid us to return to Him even though we sin, so all His treasures and gifts remain." -Martin Luther
Gracious Mercy Blog 