BaptismHandbook

HANDBOOK
for
HOLY BAPTISM

†

This handbook on the Sacramental Practice of Baptism identifies the theological foundations and practical
principals for Baptism at Rosemont Lutheran Church. It is intended to affirm the importance of the Sacrament
of Holy Baptism in our common life and to guide the Sacramental practices of our church.

Rosemont Lutheran Church, guided by Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions and acknowledging its roots,
both theological and historical, in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church, affirms its commitment to a
faithful ministry of Word and Sacrament.

Rosemont Lutheran Church
1705 West Broad Street
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018
Telephone 610 « 867«3705

www.rosemontlutheran.com

INTRODUCTION

The Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion are means of grace through which God’s gracious,
forgiving, and nurturing love is freely given to God’s people. The sacraments are gifts of God’s presence.

From the earliest period of the Christian era, the church has celebrated the incorporation of its people into the
Christian community and has nourished them through a ministry of Word and Sacrament. It is in accord with
apostolic tradition to baptize and to offer Holy Communion to God’s people.

Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into life with Christ. Holy Communion is the sacrament that nurtures
and strengthens us in this life. “It is taught among us that the sacraments were instituted not only to be signs
by which people might be identified outwardly as Christians, but that they are signs and testimonies of God’s
will toward us for the purpose of awakening and strengthening our faith.” (The Augsburg Confession, Article
XIII)

Theological Foundation of Baptism

«        The Sacrament of Christian Baptism is grounded in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The
institution of Christian Baptism has its source in the Great Commission and in Jesus’ own baptism. (Matthew
28:19-20; Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:29-34)

«        In Baptism we die and rise with Christ. God acted in Christ to save us; God acts through Baptism to
save us. The baptized are pardoned, cleansed and sanctified in Christ. (Romans 6:3-5)
«        In Baptism we are called into the Christian community and incorporated into the body of Christ, in
which we are made a new creation, reconciled to God, and entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. The
community of the baptized is, therefore, the body of Christ, continuing God’s mission in the world and
sharing in the hope of the world to come. (1 Corinthians 12:12-31; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21)

«        In Baptism God seals us with the Holy Spirit, who nurtures our life and faith until we enter into the full
possession of our inheritance. We are born anew, and marked with the cross of Christ forever. (2
Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13-14; John 3:1-8; Romans 6:1-11)

«        In Baptism we renounce the powers of darkness and dedicate ourselves to participating in the breaking
reign of God.

«        A person is baptized once; Baptism is not repeated. Christians live and affirm their Baptism through
daily repentance, receiving forgiveness and renewal in the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a daily dying to sin and
rising to newness of life.

Practical Principles for Baptism

«        Baptism is administered with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

«        In the baptismal celebration water is used generously. A variety of methods may be used; pouring and
immersion are rich symbols of the nature of Baptism. At Rosemont Church, pouring is used.

«        Candidates for Baptism are those children born to members of the congregation, children for whom
other congregational members assume the responsibility of nurture in the faith, and older children or adults
who, following preparation and instruction, declare their faith in Jesus Christ and desire for Baptism. The
obligations of the parents are part of the Service (Lutheran Book of Worship, p. 121)

«        The celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism ordinarily includes the following: presentation,
thanksgiving, renunciation of sin and evil, profession of faith, baptism with water, laying on of hands and
invocation of the Holy Spirit, signing with the cross and welcome into the congregation. (Lutheran Book of
Worship, pp. 121-125)

«        Baptism normally takes place within the corporate worship of the congregation and is administered by
an ordained minister called by the congregation or by an ordained minister granted permission by the former.
(Constitution for Synods, Article VII, Section 8)

«        In case of emergency, a person may be baptized by any Christian in the name of the Father, Son and
Holy Spirit. Should sudden death preclude such a Baptism, we believe the grace of God will prevail.

«        When circumstances require Baptism outside of corporate worship, a public announcement of the
Baptism is made at the service the Sunday following. Provision is also made for the use of the rite for Public
Recognition of the Baptism at corporate worship. (Occasional Services, pp. 17-22)

«        The members of Rosemont Lutheran Church assume a sponsoring role for all baptized persons. The
church is encouraged to select at least one sponsor from the congregation for each candidate for Baptism.
The parents may select additional sponsors. It is assumed that all sponsors are involved in the faith and life of
a Christian community. The primary role of sponsors is to provide spiritual nurture and encourage integration
of the baptized into the community of believers.

«        Baptism is affirmed throughout the Christian’s life in daily living and in worship. Regular services of
the congregation provide opportunities for participation in confession and forgiveness, the celebration of Holy
Communion, and the Baptism of others. The rite for Affirmation of Baptism may be used at any time; it is
especially appropriate at confirmation, at times of membership reception and restoration, and during the
seasons of Lent and Easter.

«        All Baptisms are entered into the permanent records of the congregation and certificates are issued at
the time of the administration of the sacrament.