The Great Baptismal Heist!

As I grow in my Lutheran faith I have found that more and more modern evangelicalism perplexes me. There is a tinge of guilt because I was a willing and able participant. Like all of my friends, I was baptized around the age of 12. It was something you looked forward to because you were telling the world that you were a Christian. But that idea is what gives me the rub! Where in the Bible does it speak remotely of this being the purpose and conduct of baptism? It's as if baptism has been stolen, re-packaged, and sold to a people who feast on symbolism.

So What Does the Bible Say?
Perhaps the most important detail of all. Most, if not all, of our false doctrine would be fed to the fire if we simply held them to the refining furnace of His Word. In the last chapter of Matthew Jesus says, "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." St. Mark quotes Jesus in chapter 16 saying, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." The important point is that these are Jesus' own words, God Himself. They are not derived from sinful man. Luther quotes it best in this manner, "Baptism is no human plaything, but it is instituted by God Himself."

Does Baptism Do Anything?
This is perhaps my biggest contention with evangelicalism. As with the Lord's Supper, baptism is viewed as symbolic, a way of remembrance of Jesus and His life. But this view is all wrong and not supported anywhere in Scripture. Baptism, along with Communion, is a Sacrament. Sacraments are instituted by God, a physical element joined with His Word, and offers forgiveness of sins which has been earned by Christ. In Peter's first epistle he says "Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you." (Please read Peter's previous passages for context, it is truly beautiful)

Ask any catechumen worth his salt if baptism is simply water. Your question should be met with and enthusiastic "Baptism is not simple water only, but it is the water comprehended in God's command and connected with His Word." If you're lucky you'll also get a "this is most certainly true" out of the young believer. Lest we not be confused, baptism is meaningless without faith in Jesus as Christ. Luther says "Baptism is not a work which we do but a treasure which God gives us and faith grasps, just as the Lord Christ upon the cross is not a work but a treasure comprehended and offered to us in the Word and received in faith." The blessing of baptism is to save!

Where's the Beef?
So the challenge is laid down evangelical, what Biblical backing do you use? This is Saddleback Church's belief on baptism "Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and is your public declaration that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Baptism does not save you, but shows the world that you have already been saved. And while baptism is not required for salvation, it is a biblical command and demonstrates your love and obedience to Christ." 

Theologically, this is a very weak statement ( I know, it's hard to believe that Rick Warren doesn't have a sound theological view on something!) Speculative theology and doctrine seem to be all the rage. We must rest on God's Word, believe what it says and trust it to do what it says it will do.