Word and Water
Baptism, Luther says in his Small Catechism, is not water only, but water “comprehended in God’s word and connected with God’s command.” The following question asks what word constitutes the water as baptism, and cites Matthew 28: “Go ye therefore . . . ”
That is, the word that constitutes water as baptism is not the word spoken at the moment of baptism but the word of Jesus that authorizes this particular use of water as baptism.
As Luther would say, This is most certainly true.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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