A Reading from the Book of Concord October 12, 2008 - 22nd Sunday after Pentecost

Standard LSB A Readings: First: Is 25:6-9 Epistle: Phil 4:4-13 Gospel: Matt 22:1-14 Psalm: Ps 23

The following reading from the CONCORDIA edition of the Book of Concord is for the LSB Gospel, Matthew 22:1-14 for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, October 12, 2008.

It is from Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article IX, paragraphs 51-53, page 153.

In this parable Jesus was speaking of the great commission when our Lord commands His servants to call all to the wedding feast. When His Church on earth baptizes it is God who is calling men and women, young and old, to be part of His eternal kingdom.

The attached reading is formatted for the back of a standard CPH bulletin.

Pastor Doug May
Socorro, New Mexico

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD	22ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
APOLOGY OF THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION	ARTICLE IX: BAPTISM

We confess that "Baptism is necessary for salvation," that "children are to be baptized," and that the "Baptism of children is not in vain, but is necessary and effective for salvation". It is very certain that the promise of salvation also applies to little children. It does not, however, apply to those who are outside of Christ's Church, where there is neither Word nor Sacraments. Christ's kingdom exists only with the Word and Sacraments. Therefore, it is necessary to baptize little children, that the promise of salvation may be applied to them, according to Christ's command to baptize all nations (Matthew 28:19). Just as in this passage salvation is offered to all, so Baptism is offered to all, to men, women, children, infants. Therefore, infants are to be baptized, because salvation is offered with Baptism. Second, it is clear that God approves of the Baptism of little children. God's approval of the Baptism of little children is shown by this: He gives the Holy Spirit to those baptized [Acts 2:38-39 Peter said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself."]. If this Baptism would be empty, the Holy Spirit would be given to no one. No one would be saved. (paragraphs 51-53)

Condensed from CONCORDIA: THE LUTHERAN CONFESSIONS, copyright 2005,2006 by Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission. All rights reserved. To purchase a copy of CONCORDIA, call 800-325-3040.

These are excerpts from the Book of Concord.

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