As a Lutheran, What Does Living the Baptized Life Look Like?

What does living the baptized life look like?

Well, we have some clues for that. First, in the catechism, right after the section on holy baptism, the very next section gives us a clue of what baptism life looks like. It's confession, absolution.

When we gather in worship on Sunday morning, we hear that same name that was placed upon us in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and as soon as we're reminded that God has put His name on us and that He promises to be here with us we confess our sins.

Baptism is a clear recognition of God.

that I'm…

a sinner
a sinner that sins
a sinner that needs a savior.

We confess our sins in the beginning of the worship service, so that we can hear even more clearly the gospel good news of what Jesus has already done for you.

So, what does the baptismal life look like?

A daily recognition of my sin.
A daily confessing that I have sinned again in thought, word, and deed.
A daily receiving of the hope and promise that comes as a baptized child of God.
A confession.
A clinging to the promise that Jesus has already forgiven our sins through His cross.
Daily contrition and repentance – and not just on Sunday.
A daily recognition that I'm a sinner, broken in thought, word, and deed.
I need a Savior to forgive me.
Being very conscious of who we are.
Being very conscious of the gifts that God has given.
Running to those gifts.

And even when we struggle with sin days, weeks, months, and years on end, your baptism still stands valid.

There again, when we come to Him in contrition, in sorrow, He comes to us.

With grace and mercy, he…

Forgives our sins
Reminds us that he continues to walk with us
Gives us the strength to fight the fight that is ahead of us
Strengthens us by his Holy Spirit
Covers us in that armor
Prepares us again to go back into the world, living as the child of God, holy and forgiven, and trusting in Jesus in all things.

Contributor Randy Sturzenbecher is Pastor at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Blackhawk, SD, and serves as President of the Higher Things Board of Directors.

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