4. _Baptism delivers us from death and the devil._ By sin death came into the world; death is the wages of sin. In baptism our sins are washed away for Christ's sake, and in this way we are delivered from death. In our dying hour we do not really see death, but have eternal life. In death we rejoice: _"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? ... But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."_ 1 Cor. 15,55-57.--Baptism works forgiveness of sin and therefore _delivers us from the devil._ When our sins have been washed away, the devil no longer has any power over us; we are free from hell and damnation. If Satan still tempts us to sin, we may, in the power of our baptism, resist him and gain the victory.--By working forgiveness of sin, by delivering us from death and the devil, _Baptism gives us eternal salvation. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."_ Mark 16,16. 5. To whom does Baptism give all this? It gives these things _"to all who believe this."_ Our Savior says: _"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."_ Mark 16,16. All those who believe, trusting in the promises God has given in His Word concerning Baptism, receive these heavenly gifts. It is true, Baptism _contains_ all these precious gifts and blessings, _whether we believe or not._ They are _offered to all who _are baptized._ But we must take them and _make them our own._ This is done _by faith in Christ._ Baptism is _God's hand,_ by means of which He hands down His gifts, forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and salvation. Faith is our _hand, with which we take God's gifts and make them our own.--_During our whole life_ we should remember our baptism and the grace God therein has bestowed upon us. Whenever we have sinned, we should in true repentance take refuge to our baptism, to the grace of God which He has promised us there. _"The covenant of my peace shall not be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee."_ Is. 54,10. REMEMBER:-- 1. _Do not forget to thank your Father in heaven for your baptism. It makes you certain that His heavenly gifts, forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation, are indeed yours. It makes you certain that God is your Father and will remain your Father and you His child._ 2. _If you have sinned and grieved your heavenly Father, take refuge to your baptism. Trust to His unfaltering grace which He has promised you there. Believe in Christ, who is yours through Baptism, and you will be saved._ MEMORIZE:-- _Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins._ Acts 2,38. _Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus; for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ._ Gal. 3,26.27. _O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ._ 1 Cor. 15,55-57. QUESTIONS.