2002 Symposium on Holy Baptism

Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary is pleased to host a symposium on Holy Baptism. Through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism believers are born again as children of God, and by the same means they drown the sinful nature so that a new man can arise and live before God in righteousness and purity forever. As the means of grace that accompanies the great commission, pastors are vitally interested in the role Holy Baptism plays in the task of making disciples of all nations.

The first of the symposium’s essays will look to the Scriptures to identify the institution and purpose of Holy Baptism and then to Luther and the Confessions as they expounded the teachings of the Scriptures. The second essay will trace the practice of Holy Baptism from the era of the New Testament Church until today and will demonstrate how the Church enabled Holy Baptism to be used according to Christ’s command, especially noting the rites and practices of Holy Baptism. The third essay will identify attacks Satan has mounted against Holy Baptism through the centuries and note how these historic attacks are still evident in Christian churches today.

• The Scriptures Establish the Purpose of Holy Baptism Dr. Mark J. Lenz (1969), Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minnesota.
• The Church Enables the Practice of Holy Baptism Prof. Charles L. Cortright (1981), Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
• The Church Encounters Attacks against Holy Baptism Pastor John A. Vieths (1991), Calvary Lutheran Church, Dallas, Texas.