The Baptismal Life

by Michael Berg

Water is everywhere in the Bible. Whether it’s literal H2O or water as a motif, the pages of God’s Word are saturated with the stuff. This water kept—and keeps—God’s people alive not just physically, but spiritually as well. In this book, Rev. Dr. Michael Berg reflects on the power of water in Scripture, the impact of baptism, and how this precious sacrament connects believers to Christ. Readers will follow the “water story” of the Word as it winds through accounts both well-known (creation, the flood) and obscure (the Passover, Naaman) before ultimately bringing us before God in paradise. Additionally, each chapter offers astute connections to the baptismal sacrament and useful takeaways for a Christian life. The book ends with a commentary on the Order of Baptism that explains this rite in an approachable way for laypeople.

147 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2023

Reviews

[Jeremiah Gumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a cool drink for a thirsty soul, The Baptismal Life helps the reader to find God's comfort, encouragement, and grace in the precious gift of Baptism. Rev. Dr. Berg uses Scripture's beautiful imagery to demonstrate that "Holy Scripture is dripping wet." This book is a treasure to be read and re-read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definition of Baptism from Luther's small catechism: Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water used according to God’s command and connected with God’s word. Baptism delivers forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, just as the words and promises of God declare.

In this short, insightful book, Dr. Berg traces water throughout the Old and New Testaments, connecting it to baptism. Think of the Garden of Eden, the flood, Israelites crossing the Red Sea, and John the Baptizer. The second half of the book focuses on the Baptismal life of a Christian, connecting those Old Testament lessons with New Testament sanctified living.

Baptism is not just a one and done thing (although one baptism is all that is needed), but each day that Christians remember their baptisms, they also remember that they are God's children, their sins are washed away, and each day is a day to live to and for and with Christ.

Go, dig out your baptismal certificates and hang them where you can see them every day!