Word, not just water, makes Baptism

We hold to it isn't the water by itself that makes baptism. It's the Word that makes baptism. The Word by which Christ washes through with water as outward means. It is by which the Holy Spirit calls us to faith that clings to Christ alone given unto us by outward and objective means. And out of the Father's grace, love and mercy, it is by which  to draw us.

Being that the Word makes baptism, it means God can operate outside baptism to send forth His word to us, such as when it is preached.

So we deny one is lost for lack of chances to be baptized. Only unbelief condemns and cuts us off from Christ's Saving work.

It remains true though baptism is objective means we can point back to in regards to when God delivers His promises to us.

And not a one time in the water is baptism.

Our baptism covers our entire Christian life.

We were buried with Christ and in baptism and raised with Him to newness of life.

Daily we are to live out our baptism. Die to old Adam and alive with Christ.

And it is so by the Word and Sacrament giving, nourishing and strengthening our faith/assurance.

Our assurance is never inwards. It is outwards to the objective promises God give us in Word and Sacrament:

In Christ crucified, we are forgiven and our sins washed away.

Faith alone is the instrument in which we are justified. Object of that is Christ crucified for our sins. That is what faith alone receives. Word and Sacrament are means to deliver that to us and give us faith to receive what God gives us.

The Gospel of Christ crucified for our sins.

Here we stand.