Baptism is simply the application of water connected to the Word of God. It is a great gift of God that delivers to us the benefits of Jesus’ perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection. Through the Holy Spirit, given in baptism, we receive the forgiveness of sins and a new life as God’s child that begins now and continues for all eternity. 

Because Jesus told us to! At the end of the Gospel of  Matthew, Jesus told His disciples: 

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you."

Matthew 28:19-20a. 

Infants are baptized for the same reason adults are baptized—because of the command and promise of God. They are included in the words “all nations” (Matthew 28:19). 

In Luke 18:15-17, Jesus specifically invites little children to come to Him. Most important, as sinners, infants need what baptism gives. 

Do I need to be baptized again to be part of First Lutheran? 

You don’t need to be baptized again, provided you were baptized in a Christian church in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

“One Lord, one faith, one baptism." Ephesians 4:5

Yes! 

Absolutely! For adults, instruction in the Christian faith precedes baptism, following Biblical precedent.

Acts 8:26-39 & 16:25-33