“Do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:3-5).
The following is a hymn that wonderfully captures the truths expressed in the passage above. I want this sung at my funeral!
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God’s own child, I gladly say it: I am baptized into Christ!
He, because I could not pay it, gave my full redemption price.
Do I need earth’s treasures many?
I have one worth more than any
That brought me salvation free,
Lasting to eternity!
Sin, disturb my soul no longer: I am baptized into Christ!
I have comfort even stronger: Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice.
Should a guilty conscience seize me
Since my baptism did release me
In a dear forgiving flood,
Sprinkling me with Jesus’ blood?
Satan, hear this proclamation: I am baptized into Christ!
Drop your ugly accusation; I am not so soon enticed.
Now that to the font I’ve traveled,
All your might has come unraveled,
And, against your tyranny,
God, my Lord, unites with me!
Death, you cannot end my gladness: I am baptized into Christ!
When I die, I leave all sadness to inherit paradise!
Though I lie in dust and ashes
Faith’s assurance brightly flashes:
Baptism has the strength divine
To make life immortal mine.
There is nothing worth comparing to this lifelong comfort sure!
Open-eyed my grave is staring: Even there I’ll sleep secure.
Though my flesh awaits its raising,
Still my soul continues praising:
I am baptized into Christ;
I’m a child of paradise!
Text: Erdmann Neumester (1671-1756), Tr. Robert E. Voelker (b. 1957)
Tune: BACHOFEN – Johann Caspar Bachofen (1695-1755, alt.)
Christian Worship Supplement 737:2-5/Lutheran Service Book 594:2-5
(HT The Shepherd’s Study for the lyrics, HT Lutheran-Hymnal Online for the audio)
My favorite hymn. It shall be sung at my funeral–my last chance to tell them about God’s saving work in Christ.
This is a wonderful, powerful hymn of comfort expressing clearly God’s Word
An excellent discussion/hermeneutical process on this treasure is on “Issues ETC” a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod dept program
Sola Deo Gloria
Absolutely a wonderful hymn! I’m convinced that Dr. Luther himself would be very fond of it. Thanks so much for posting it. – From a Wisconsin Synod Lutheran
I could listen to this hymn daily and weep every time I heard it. I was raised a liberal Lutheran and wandered into Word of Faith charismatic in my 20′s before finally finding the LCMS where I have raised my children, whose baptismal services included this hymn. Thank God for his indescribable gift of new life in Christ!