The Sacrament of Baptism The Second Helvetic Confession
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
-Matthew 28:16-20
The publication of the Heidelberg Catechism led to increased, rather than decreased, theological tension in Germany, so Fredrick III asked Henrich Bullinger, Zwingli’s son-in-law, to write an exposition of the Christian faith. Written 5 years earlier as Bullinger’s personal testimony, it was ratified by the Reformed Churches of Switzerland.
The Second Helvetic Confession (1561) is the largest document in The Book of Confessions. Again, this Confession would be directed at the strong theological tensions in sixteenth century Germany. Heinrich Bullinger, a leading thinker in the Reformed tradition, apparently composed the Confession, however, as an attachment to his last will and testament! He took a moderate tone in his writing, and touched upon nearly every aspect of church life.
The Sacrament of Baptism was a particularly important topic for the time. People were at war over whether infant baptism was acceptable or if believer baptism was the only correct form. The grace of God given in the waters of baptism is a gift, not something we earn. Therefore, all are welcomed into the family of God through baptism, whether they fully understand the promises made or not.
This week we welcome our community to share in Vacation Bible School. It is my fervent prayer that children of all ages will come to understand how much God loves them, just as they are. We want to share the love of God who made them and wants to be in relationship with them. No matter how they understand the gift of God’s love, it is freely given. Come down this week to celebrate God’s love with God’s children at VBS!
Gracious God, forgive us. We get caught up in the demands of the world and forget You. We run out of time to pray. We convince ourselves we know what is best. We doubt that You care about the details of our lives. We break down where we could build up. We forget You love us. We do not remember You can bring new life even when it seems all hope is gone. Forgive us for the ways we have broken our ties to You. Amen.
