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Luther’s Marks of the Church
Week 2: Baptism
This is the second week of Luther’s Marks of the Church. Martin Luther identified seven visible signs, or “marks,” that help us recognize where the church of Jesus Christ is present. These marks are not merely doctrines we believe. They are gifts through which Christ continues to meet us, shape us, and sustain us. We experience all seven marks in our weekly liturgy.
Last week, the first mark was the Word of God; this week it's Baptism. In Baptism, we remember who we are. Most of us remember our Baptism only through photographs, a baptismal certificate, a candle, or stories told by parents and grandparents. Earlier in my faith journey, it bothered me that my mother couldn’t recall details of my Baptism. Over time, I realized it wasn't important to know whether I cried, what I wore, or who was there.
What matters most on our baptismal day is that God claimed us as His children. Water was poured over us in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and God declared that we belong to Christ. That is why Luther encouraged Christians to remember their baptism every day. He did not mean that we should simply recall a ceremony from years past. He meant that we should remember who we are because of God’s promise. Our world offers us many identities, but most importantly, we are children of God.
We may define ourselves by our work, accomplishments, family roles, failures, political opinions, possessions, health, or age. Some of those identities change. We retire. Children grow up. Our bodies change. People we love die. Abilities we once took for granted may diminish. Yet Baptism gives us an identity that endures. You are a child of God. You belong to Christ.
Notice who acts in Baptism. God does. Baptism is not a reward for being faithful, good, or knowledgeable enough. It is grace, God choosing us before we could ever choose God. And that promise accompanies us through every season of life.
It is there when faith feels strong and when it is filled with questions. It is there in joy and in grief. And it is there at the end of our earthly lives, when we entrust ourselves once again to the God who first called us by name.
Whenever we see water, a shower, or rain falling outside the window, even when we wash our face in the morning, we remember whose we are. I am baptized. I belong to Christ.
On Sunday, we will give thanks for our baptism and recognize Dan and Linda Williams and Barbara Scherzer on their baptismal anniversaries.
Reflection: How might your day be different if you began it by remembering, “I am a baptized child of God”?
Come remember your baptism and know that you belong to Jesus. We worship at 10:30AM, in person and also on Facebook Live. Whether you come seeking healing, praying for someone you love, or simply longing for God’s peace, you are welcome.
Peace+
Pastor Eric
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