There is good reason to think about baptism. Indeed, it is always a good time to think about baptism but even more so in the midst of a pandemic. If the threat of the pandemic is death, shouldn’t we be thinking about the sacrament that, in Luther’s words, delivers from sin, death, and the devil? If a secondary threat of the pandemic is the loss of charity for our neighbor, the increase in selfishness, and the giving of oneself over to anxiety, shouldn’t we be thinking about the sacrament that, in Luther’s words, delivers from sin, death, and the devil? If the one who prowls around like a roaring lion will use all these things in his attempt to devour us, shouldn’t we be thinking about the sacrament that, in Luther’s words, delivers from sin, death, and the devil? The “power, effect, benefits, fruit, and purpose of Baptism is to save.” What greater lifeline has Christ thrown to those who face death? What greater shield and buckler has Christ placed upon the arms of those assaulted by the devil? What greater sword has Christ put in the hands of those called to slay sin? Surely this should be reason enough to think about Baptism, as it offers so much good in a time so desperate for something good. It should also be reason to extend the offer of baptism—or shall we say, “extend the promise that Christ offers us in baptism”—with greater liberality than has been our custom. Having received this seal of God’s gracious promise, a miserly hoarding of that inexhaustible grace is inconsistent with Christian charity.
