Baptism is one of the foundational pillars of Christianity. It is one of the miraculous means of grace in which God grants forgiveness of sins, liberates people from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to believers. Lutherans often look to Luther’s Small Catechism for explanation of Holy Baptism. However, the Small Catechism is not the only place Luther explained Baptism. In fact, Luther often spoke of the importance and significance of Baptism in his sermons.
In his newly released book, Martin Luther on Holy Baptism, editor Benjamin T.G. Mayes brings together some of Luther’s best sermons on Baptism to encourage Christians to reach a deeper understanding of this saving truth. Half of the volume consists of sermons never before translated. “I think people underestimate the saving power of Baptism. Some think of it as a human work with no power in it. Others think it is a ‘go to heaven’ card, a license to sin,” says Mayes. “Luther can help us here. His teaching, based 100% on the Sacred Scriptures, shows that Baptism is a miracle given to us by Jesus Christ, with the power to change our situation and bestow on us the ongoing power of the Holy Spirit, giving us divine life and strength. Everyone will learn something in these newly discovered sermons.”
The book is designed for individual reading as well as group discussion. The book contains insightful study and discussion questions in order to spark deeper thinking on this important mystery.
About Rev. Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes
Benjamin T. G. Mayes is assistant professor of historical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is co-general editor of the American Edition of Luther’s Works and the general editor of the Theological Commonplaces by Johann Gerhard.
