Lutherans and the Sacraments

The Lutheran churches affirm two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion (also known as The Lord's Supper). By calling these two observances "sacraments," we mean to say that our Lord is especially present in the ceremonies.

Baptism

In Baptism, God gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit, and we become a member of the "Body of Christ," which is the church. The Lutheran church baptizes people of all ages. The specific form of baptism that is normally used among the congregations comprising the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) involves sprinkling water on the head of the baptized.
Lutherans believe, as Martin Luther wrote, that "In Baptism God forgives sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe what he has promised" (Small Catechism, Part 4).

Though the specific forms of baptism may vary across the Christian traditions (some prefer sprinkling, others full immersion, and others may use still other forms), the meaning remains the same, for we are all baptized into the "body of Christ" by the same Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12:12-13; Galatians 3:26-27).

Therefore, regardless of the form of baptism you may have received elsewhere, your baptism is considered valid in the Lutheran church, so long as you continue to be committed to your place as an active member of the community of Christians.

Holy Communion

In Holy Communion (the Lord's Supper), Jesus is especially present in and among the bread (or communion wafer) and the wine (or grape juice), for which reason participation in Holy Communion is not to be taken lightly (see I Corinthians 11:26-32).
The benefits of Holy Communion are the same as baptism: we receive forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.

However, as Martin Luther wrote, it is not the mere eating and drinking that brings this benefit, for belief is also needed. Whoever believes the words, "given and shed for you for the remission of sins . . . has exactly what they say, forgiveness of sins" (Small Catechism, Part V).

© First Lutheran Church, DeKalb, Illinois, 2005. Some portions quoted or adapted from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther, in Contemporary English with Lutheran Book of Worship Texts (Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1979).