Heidelberg Catechism

Question 71. Where does Christ promise that we are washed with his blood and Spirit as surely as we are washed with the water of baptism?

Answer: In the institution of baptism where he says:

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (a)

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (b)

This promise is repeated where Scripture calls baptism the washing of rebirth (c) and the washing away of sins. (d)

(Scriptural proofs after the fold.)

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Sunday's Hymn: Majestic Sweetness Sits Enthroned

Majestic sweetness sits enthroned
Upon the Saviour’s brow;
His head with radiant glories crowned,
His lips with grace over flow.

No mortal can with him compare,
Among the sons of men;
Fairer is he than all the fair
That fill the heavenly train.

He saw me plunged in deep distress,
He flew to my relief;
For me he bore the shameful cross,
And carried all my grief.

To him I owe my life and breath,
And all the joys I have;
He makes me triumph over death,
And saves me from the grave.

To heav’n, the place of his abode,
He brings my weary feet;
Shows me the glories of my God,
And makes my joys complete.

Since from his bounty I receive
Such proofs of love divine,
Had I a thousand hearts to give,
Lord, they should all be thine.

—Samuel Stennett

Other hymns, worship songs, prayers, sermons excerpts, or quotes posted today:

• Free From the Law at By Grace Alone
• Just As I Am Without One Plea at Graces Daily
• Rescue the Perishing at The Happy Wonderer
• I Am the Lord That Healeth Thee at The Upward Call
• True Public Worship at Theology for Girls
• You Have Made of One Blood from Trevin Wax
• Your weekly dose of Spurgeon: Sufficient Fire Edition at Pyromaniacs
• Eternal Sabath at Tried With Fire

Have you posted a hymn (or sermon, sermon notes, prayer, etc.) today and I missed it? Let me know by leaving a link in the comments or by contacting me using the contact form linked above, and I’ll add your post to the list.

Thankful Thursday

 

Here’s a list of some things I’ve been thankful for this week:

• for warm weather and fresh air. We’re in the midst of a January thaw, so I’ve been cracking my window at night to let the breeze flow in. And I’ve been spending lots of time outside during the day, walking the dog, playing with the grandchildren, and doing a little outdoor work. I’m also thankful that January is half over.
• for babies, rocking chairs, and the opportunity to rock my youngest grandchild to sleep yesterday afternoon.
• for frozen Swedish meatballs in the supermarket. I love Swedish meatballs, but I’d never make them for myself. That they’re sold premade and precooked is a good gift.
• for an exciting opportunity. That’s all I can say now because I’m not sure whether I’ll take it or not—but I’m thankful for the offer.
• that God listens to my prayers and that he’s always with me. 
• for “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for me” (1 Peter 1:4 ESV). The older I get, the more I cling to this promise. 

Also thankful today:

• Kim Shay
• Persis

What are you thankful for?