Catechesis: Holy Baptism

Where this does not take place but rather the old creature is given free rein and continually grows stronger, baptism is not being used but resisted. Those who are outside of Christ can only grow worse day by day.—LC IV:68

On the other hand, when we become Christians, the old creature daily decreases until finally destroyed. This is what it means truly to plunge into baptism and daily to come forth again.—LC IV:71

If you live in repentance, therefore, you are walking in baptism, which not only announces this new life but also produces, begins, and exercises it.—LC IV:75

As Christ, the mercy seat, does not withdraw from us or forbid us to return to him even though we sin, so all his treasures and gifts remain. As we have once obtained forgiveness of sins in baptism, so forgiveness remains day by day as long as we live, that is, as long as carry the old creature around our necks.—LC IV:86