Four years ago today I watched my son-in-law put some water on his son’s head. As he was doing so, he called his son by name and said “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” And just like that, Simon became part of God’s family. God’s name was placed on him, and the Spirit of God was at work. God did some amazing things that day, just as He does every time someone is Baptized.

Romans 6:3–5 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.

Baptism connects us to everything Jesus did to accomplish life and salvation for us. It joins us to His death that paid for sin. It links us to His resurrection that gives us victory over death. That is God’s promise to us in His Word. It does not give us something other than what we receive through faith. Rather it is an extra added assurance in our lives that we are redeemed. Scripture tells us very plainly that Baptism saves us.

1 Peter 3:21 and this water [the flood of Noah] symbolizes baptism that now saves you also— … It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Titus 3:5–8 [God] saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,  so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.  This is a trustworthy saying.

The comfort of Baptism is that it is something God has done for us, not something you do. God gives you His name in Baptism. God makes you part of His family. God washes your sins in Baptism. God promises you forgiveness, life and salvation.

I don’t know if you remember the day you were baptized or not. But you should always remember that you are baptized. I had a sign on the bathroom mirror of my office at church with a quote from Martin Luther:  When you wash your face, remember your Baptism. Remembering your baptism is remembering all that God has done for you in Christ.

Happy Baptismal Birthday, Simon!