226.
"Our opponents also agree to the ninth article, in which we confess that _Baptism is necessary to salvation_, and that the baptism of infants is not fruitless, but necessary and salutary.
_Luther's Smaller Catechism_.
"_What does Baptism confer or benefit ?_ "_Ans_ .-- It effects the _forgiveness of sins, delivers from death_ and _the devil_, and confers _everlasting salvation_ upon all who believe it, (not believe in Christ,) as the words and promise of God declare." "_How can water effect such great things ?_ "_Ans_ .-- Indeed it is not the water that has such effect, but the Word of God that is with and in the water, and the faith trusting such Word of God in the water.

For without the Word of God the water is mere water, hence no baptism; but with the Word of God it constitutes a baptism, that is, a gracious water of life, and a _washing of regeneration_, in the Holy Ghost."-- _Symb.

B_., p.

421.
_Luther's Larger Catechism_.
"Every Christian, therefore, has enough to learn and practice in baptism during his life; for he must ever exert himself to _maintain_ a firm faith in _what it promises and brings_ him, namely, triumph over the devil and death, the _remission of sins_, the grace of God, Christ with all his works, and _the Holy Ghost with all his gifts_.

In short, the blessings of baptism are so great, that if feeble nature could but comprehend them we might justly doubt their reality.