Living in My Baptism, Strengthened by the Supper

Is Baptism a work of God or a work of man? The Bible leaves nothing to the imagination. We can firmly declare: “It is the work of God!” Dr. Martin Luther summarized the work of God in Baptism with these words from the Small Catechism:
What does Baptism give or profit?
Baptism effects forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, just as the words and promises of God declare.
Which are these words and promises of God?
Christ our Lord says, Mark 16:16: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (ELH, p. 34)
The profit of Baptism never loses its worth. The gracious power in Baptism creates children of God out of nothing by God’s grace. The miracle bath of Baptism makes what was once dead now a living, breathing servant of the gracious God.
However, baptized children of God still live in this world. We know from firsthand experience that within the world evil is lurking around every corner where we live, work, and play. Satan never rests in his efforts to lead the baptized away from the Christian faith. He fights, claws, and scratches with no rules of engagement in order to weaken the baptized with the damning goal of unbelief. Against such a powerful opponent, how can any Christian possibly stay true to the faith of his Baptism?
How the Christian stays true to the faith is again the work of God through hearing His Word and partaking often of the Lord’s Supper once one is confirmed. The Sacrament of Baptism creates faith in the heart. The Sacrament of the Altar keeps faith in the heart. The Lord’s Supper strengthens and encourages the baptized in the daily battle waged against the devil, the world, and the sinful flesh. There is not a day that goes by that this unholy trio isn’t plotting constantly to deceive the Christian.
Baptism does not remove us from sin or guarantee that no temptations will ever give us fits again. Dr. Luther addresses this issue in his Small Catechism:
What does such baptizing with water mean?
Such baptizing with water means that the old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts; and that a new man daily come forth and arise, who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever. (ELH, p. 35)
Within the holy meal of Christ’s body and blood are you not only reminded that Christ’s death paid for all sin, but the Holy Spirit also brings the benefit of His death to you—your sins are forgiven! St. Paul confirms this truth of God’s goodness for the weak and needy sinner: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
As we live in our Baptism and are strengthened by the Supper, God is at work in us forgiven sinners. The 15th century German folk hymn summarizes the Christian’s confession of God’s gracious work:
O Lord, we praise Thee, bless Thee, and adore Thee,
In thanksgiving bow before Thee.
Thou with Thy body and Thy blood didst nourish
Our weak souls that they may flourish.
O Lord, have mercy!
May Thy body, Lord, born of Mary,
That our sins and sorrows did carry,
And Thy blood for us plead
In all trial, fear, and need:
O Lord, have mercy! (ELH 327:1)
Jonathan Madson is co-pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Okauchee, Wisconsin.