Baptism and Catechesis

In many Protestant churches the only prerequisite for Baptism is some kind of loosely defined profession of faith. The candidate may simply confess a faith in Jesus and a desire. Then he or she is baptized. Since such a Baptism is seen as a sign of this profession, many are re-baptized upon moving to a new fellowship. How strange and how confusing.

There is no support in the New Testament for such a practice. In the Apostolic church the prerequisite for Baptism was a fully informed faith. Adult candidates, especially people with no knowledge of the Old Testament, were instructed at times for years before being baptized. Along with their confession that the crucified and resurrected Jesus was Lord and Christ, the Church required candidates to confess their sins.

This confession was in line with what happened when John baptized the Jews. They had prior knowledge of the promised Messiah and Old Testament teachings. For them the basics were in place. So upon confessing their sins, they were baptized. Jesus fleshed this out by claiming His crucifixion and resurrection fulfilled the Old Testament. He was the Christ, the Son of God. He said:

"These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:44-48).

Several prominent scholars present strong evidence that the Gospels of Matthew and Luke were the form of the catechesis or full instruction of candidates for Baptism in the first centuries of the Church. The Gospel of Matthew was aimed at the Jews. Luke probably directed his Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.

For Lutherans instruction in the Small Catechism follows the model of the New Testament. It is intended either to bring believers to Baptism or to confirm that faith. So the Catechism begins with repentance (10 Commandments) and the Gospel (Creed). The catechumen is then taught the Lord’s Prayer as his model and receives Baptism, the gateway to participating in the Lord’s Supper. This process helps believers to understand that faith is much more than a mere intellectual exercise. It is above all a relationship of trust in the mercy and love of our Lord Jesus.