Chapter 5: Luther's False Doctrine of Baptismal Regeneration

Chapter Five Luther's False Doctrine of Baptismal Regeneration

Introduction.
Should there be any doubt in a person's mind that Luther was trusting in water baptism to give eternal life; his own words will substantiate his belief. On Page 16, #11, Small Catechism, he writes the following:

"THE BLESSINGS OF BAPTISM, What does baptism give or profit? It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this..." 

 Luther quotes the same on Page 174, #11, Small Catechism. On Page 177, #257, Luther explains the meaning of the above statements.

"The word of God places these great blessings into baptism; and through faith, which trusts this word of promise, we accept the forgiveness, life and SALVATION OFFERED IN BAPTISM and make these blessings our own."

Luther further states on Page 179, last paragraph, Small Catechism, the following:

"By baptism we are made partakers of Christ."

Here are some more of Luther's words concerning his faith in water baptism for salvation, as stated in his Large Catechism:

Page 81, #6 - "Moreover it is solemnly and strictly commanded that we must be baptized, or we shall NOT be saved."

Page 83, #24 - "To put it most simply, the power, effect, benefit, fruit, and PURPOSE OF BAPTISM IS TO SAVE." To be saved, we know, is nothing else than to be delivered from sin, death, and the devil and to enter into the Kingdom of Christ and live with Him forever."

Page 85, #36 - "But it becomes beneficial to you if you accept it as God's command and ordinance, so that, baptized in the name of God, you may receive in the water, the promised salvation."

Page 86, #44 - "But I am baptized! And if I am baptized, I have the promise that I shall be saved and have eternal life, both in soul and body."

Page 86, #46a - "Since the water and the word together constitute one baptism, body and soul shall be saved and live forever."

Page 86, 46b - "No greater jewel, therefore, can adorn our body and soul than baptism, for through it we obtain perfect holiness and salvation, which no other kind of life and no work on earth can acquire."

I could go on and on in quoting Luther and his faith in baptism for Salvation.

Luther Says, "Faith is Not Necessary for Baptism to be Valid."
As I was studying Luther's Large Catechism, I read something I could hardly believe, so I went back and re-read it several times. Allow me to ask you a simple question. How many times have you heard preachers and laymen quote Luther as having said, "The just shall live by faith?" That is supposed to be one of his famous statements.

But, in his Large Catechism, he states that as long as you have been baptized, even though you do not have faith, it does not render your baptism for eternal life void. This is nothing more than Satanic heresy! Before I quote Luther, allow me to enlighten your knowledge as to the meaning of the word "heresy." The Greek is "hairesis," as defined in Vine's Expository Dictionary of Greek New Testament Words.

"An opinion, especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the power of truth, and leads to division and the formation of sects. Such erroneous opinions are frequently the outcome of personal preference of the prospect of advantage."

Here are Luther's words as stated in his Large Catechism:
"Further, we are not primarily concerned whether the baptized person believes or not, for in the latter case (i.e., does not believe) Baptism does NOT become invalid." (Page 87, #52).

"Baptism is valid, even though faith be lacking." Baptism does not become invalid even if it is wrongly received or used, for it is bound NOT to our faith, but to the Word." (Page 87, #53).

Even though a Jew should today come deceitfully and with an evil purpose, and we baptized him in all good faith, we should have to admit that his baptism was valid (i.e., gave him eternal life and etc.). (Page 87, #54).

Re-read the definition of heresy in the above paragraph with a desire to know the truth about Luther and you would run from this man, the "Master of Deceit." God's Word exposes this man's philosophy as being fraudulent. Here is God's rebuke of Luther.

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2).

Notice Romans 4:3 concerning Abraham:

"For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."

Since Martin Luther believes that Baptism gives one eternal life; then, you would have to conclude that Luther is saying you don't have to believe, or have faith to inherit eternal life! BUT, God disagrees! Let's see what God has to say about faith and being saved in Ephesians 2:8-9.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, Not of works, lest any man should boast." In James 2:8, God's Word states that, "A double minded man is unstable in ALL his ways." I am afraid Luther would be classified in this category. Luther states one thing in one place and contradicts himself in another, time after time.

Notice in Luther's Small Catechism, Page 177, #257, he states that,

"The word of God places these great blessings into baptism; and through faith, which trusts this word of promise, we accept the forgiveness, life, and salvation offered in baptism..."

Here, Luther says you must have faith in baptism to receive the blessings. Now, in his Large Catechism, he says the opposite, therefore CONTRADICTING HIMSELF. Allow me to quote his words on Page 87, #52.

"Further, we are not primarily concerned whether the baptized person believes or not, for in the latter case, baptism does not become invalid."

Then on Page 87, #53, he further reveals his thinking by stating that...

"Baptism is valid, even though faith be lacking."

Luther is quoted as saying, "The just shall live by faith," as the Word of God states in Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11, etc. This statement by Luther is very deceiving as it leads one to believe, especially a born-again Christian, that Luther is trusting Jesus Christ and, him alone, for his salvation, the same as they have. Nothing could be further from the truth! Luther's statement that, "The just shall live by faith," is meant as faith in water baptism for salvation, as he states over and over in his Catechisms.

Therefore, if you were to ask a Lutheran if they believed that Christ was crucified, buried and rose again as payment for their sins, they would almost exclusively answer, "Yes." From this response, the average Christian would assume that they were saved. But, such is not the case!

Luther believed, historically, that Christ died and rose again, making it possible for anyone to possess eternal life. But, Luther did not trust in, believe in, or have faith in, the finished work of Christ ALONE for salvation. In other words, he believed that Christ paid for our sins and would give eternal life on one condition. Even though Christ paid for our sins, the "switch" of water baptism is what gives us eternal life and makes us a child of God, according to Luther. Notice Luther's words.

"God's name was given to us when we became Christians at Baptism, and so we are called children of God." (Large Catechism, Page 69, #37). As usual, the Word of God is in sharp contrast to the words of Luther. Notice John 1:12.

"But as many as received him (Christ), to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."

Therefore, Luther's meaning concerning, "The just shall live by faith," is faith in baptism which throws the "switch" of salvation to those who believe this. The biblical definition is, "Faith in Jesus Christ, plus nothing, for salvation;" not, faith in water baptism.

One must remember a follower of Luther does believe in the Trinity, the Bible as God's Word; and that Jesus Christ, by his death and resurrection, has provided salvation for the world. So far so good! This is what a Christian is trusting in for their salvation, "plus nothing!" Not so with Luther. He believed Christ only purchased salvation; but, would only give it to those who were baptized. That is "plus works," and will never result in eternal life.

"Baptismal Water is Divine Water."
In Ephesians 2:8-9 we are told...

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." The difference between a Christian and Luther, a religious man, is that Luther went beyond simple faith in Christ, believing salvation was not obtained or implemented until you were baptized. Since baptism is a work of the flesh, that of the baptizer and the baptized, Luther had to devise some scheme to get around the words "not of works," found in Ephesians 2:8-9, and this he did.

Anyone that knows anything about the Word of God, knows that what is done in the flesh is a work; while believing, trust, faith, etc. is done with the mind!

Luther now sets out to convince his followers that baptism is not a work of the flesh and that the baptismal water becomes "DIVINE WATER" when his preachers pronounce the words, "baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and of the holy Ghost." It is at this time, Luther contends, that the "water is not just water;" but, now turns into "DIVINE WATER." Now, it is "saving water." Let us listen to the words of Luther, himself.

"It is not simply common water, but water comprehended in God's Word and commandment and sanctified by them. It is nothing else than a DIVINE WATER." (Large Catechism, Page 82, Par. #14).

"God himself stakes his honor, his power, and his might on it. Therefore it is not simply a natural water, but a DIVINE, HEAVENLY, HOLY, and BLESSED WATER."(Large Catechism,Page 82, Par. #17).

Now Luther, hopefully, with these words has convinced his followers that this water, with all of these godly adjectives attached, will now save you. Since the water has now been "activated," it now can save! Here are Luther's own words.

"To put it most simply, the power, effect, benefit, fruit, and purpose of baptism is to save." (Large Catechism, Page 83, Par. #24).

Now that Luther has the water purified, sanctified and "electrified," it can give eternal salvation! The only problem is, nowhere in the New Testament do you find "Divine Water," "Heavenly Water," "Holy Water," or "Blessed Water." Luther continually adds to God's Word what the Holy Spirit forgot to put in, which seems to be Luther's opinion!

Luther Says that "Baptism is Not a Work."

Luther now has one more hurdle to get over; and, that is, getting you to believe the act of baptism is not a work of the flesh. Remember Ephesians 2:8-9, God's Word, tells us that we are saved by FAITH. Salvation is a GIFT of God, and salvation is NOT OF WORKS!

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9). In Ephesians 2:9 we find the word "work" is translated from the Greek word "ergon," and is a noun, "(from a primary but obsolete root "ergo, or "to work") and means "to toil as an effort or occupation; by implication, an act, deed, doing, labour, work." (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible). The Book of James makes a distinction between the works of the flesh and faith, which comes from our mind by thinking!

"Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: Shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."

Here one can easily see that faith is of the mind, internally, and works of the flesh are expressed externally! Romans 4:5 also makes the distinction between works and faith/belief (synonymous terms).

"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." (Romans 4:5). The flesh can produce good works or bad works. Our legs can take one to church, or take one to a brothel. Our arms can embrace someone out of love, or hit someone out of anger. Our mouth can praise someone out of love, or gossip about someone out of hate, etc. When a person is baptized, they bring their body to be baptized. They don't send their spirit to be baptized, while their body stays at home! When a person is baptized, the flesh brought them, whether they walked, drove, or were carried to the location. The preacher used his hand to dip in the water and sprinkle some on the head of the baptized.. These are all accomplished by the works of the flesh.

Now, according to God's Word, any act done with the body is a work of the flesh. But, Luther has to convince you that baptism is not a work, or it would contradict all other Scriptures that exclude good works for salvation. Here is Luther's philosophy, which is found nowhere in the Bible.

"Baptism is not a work which we do but is a treasure which God gives 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 by faith." (Large Catechism, Page 85, Par. #37). The following words from Luther are unbelievable and, not only a lie; but an insult to the normal intelligence of a human being. This is what every cult leader has to do in order to promote their philosophy in perverting the Word of God.

"To be baptized in God's name is to be baptized not by men but by God Himself. Although it is performed by men's hands, it is nevertheless truly God's own act." (Large Catechism, Page 81, Par.#10).

It seems to me that when the followers of Luther read the Catechism, they accept his words as though they were the Bible, itself. I have found this, personally, to be true in my conversations with hundreds of Lutherans. To stimulate your thinking, let us compare Luther's words with God's Word.

Luther: "Baptism is not a work which we do."
The Bible: Cannot be found in the Bible because it is not true!

Conclusion: Luther lied to deceive you.

Luther: "Christ upon the cross is not a work."
The Bible: Cannot be found in the Bible.

Conclusion: Luther lied again to deceive.

Luther: "Baptism is a treasure which God gives."
The Bible: Nowhere did God ever associate the word "treasure" with baptism.

Conclusion – Luther lied again to deceive, by adding to the Word of God.

Luther: "To be baptized in God's name is not to be baptized by men, but by God Himself."

Luther: "Although it (baptism) is performed by men's hands, it is nevertheless God's own act." The Bible: Nowhere can you find these words of Luther in the Bible.

Conclusion: Luther wants me to believe that men do the baptizing; but, it is not really them. It is God, Himself, who is really doing the baptizing.

Since Christ is God manifested in the flesh, why has no one ever seen Christ, in His Person, baptizing anyone down here? I have baptized, by submersion, scores of believers in over 35 years of ministry. I never had the Lord step in and say, "I will take over from here and do the baptizing.

You are probably thinking, "This is the craziest thing I have ever heard anyone say!" I most assuredly agree with you! It is not only crazy; but, the thinking of an unsaved man trying, by his natural mind to adjust the Scriptures to his own preconceived theology, which he inherited from the Roman Catholic organization. The conclusion to the previous statements by Luther, as they are given above, is nothing more than a lie to magnetize your thinking into believing that God, Himself, actually baptized you, and now you are saved!

Summary.
You may be wondering how and why a religious man like Luther will not trust Jesus Christ and Him ALONE for his salvation?

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3:36).

You will find, in the Word of God, that not one person was ever water baptized to be saved. All of those that were baptized were already believers.

Luther, like every other cult leader, DENIES that Salvation, i.e., eternal life is only obtained by faith in Jesus Christ, and faith alone. The reason these false teachers do not believe this is clearly explained in I Corinthians.

"But the natural (i.e., lost) man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14).

I hope by this time you have an opened and keen mind to see the cleverness, adroitness, and skillfulness of Luther. I hope you can see how he constantly has one Scripture contradicting another in order to embrace his philosophy of baptismal regeneration.

Remember, Friend, the difference between Luther's salvation by baptism and God's salvation through Christ, is where you are going to spend Eternity. If you believe Martin Luther, it is Hell. If you believe the Bible, God's Word, it is Heaven. The Bible says, "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." (Psalms 118:8).

Baptismal regeneration is Satan's "Trap Door to Hell," believed by, and perpetrated upon, countless numbers of unsuspecting followers by the "Master of Deceit," Martin Luther.