The opening piece is from “Union with Christ” – The New Finnish Interpretation of Luther.
According to Luther, union with Christ is effected in baptism. The necessary precondition of baptism is always the preaching of God’s word.
The quote I wanted to use for today is a bit longer than this so I will put the whole thing down on Monday. For now, I wanted to stop with the comment that the “necessary precondition of baptism is always the preaching of God’s word.” It is not the telling of some well thought out and rational argument. It is the announcement…the good news announced without qualification. That Word, has the power to bring people to the water for in that announcement is a promise that carries no condition. The Word of God is a word for us in a world that is so against us. The Word pulls us into the water and in that action by God through the word of promise; we are joined in that “union with Christ.” No, if, ands, or buts, about it.
Connection: Sometimes it is important to listen to the power word that is spoken to our children. It is enough…enough to offer us a whole new life. Don’t wait for something more, in the word and the water, the whole Reign of God is here for us to enter within a new life.
By your love for us, Gracious Lord, we are moved into the eternal embrace of your promise for life. Open up our ears that we may hear your promises again and again. Amen.
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