Why We Baptize Babies

I am a Lutheran. I believe that the Bible is God’s true, inspired, inerrant Word. I believe that the Lutheran Confessions correctly explain the Scriptural Christian doctrine to apply what Scripture teaches to defend the true doctrine against error. I serve Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Yorba Linda, California, which is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Grace congregation called me because I share its doctrinal convictions, and is a member of the WELS because the church body, in doctrine and practice, believes the same thing. I am a baptized child of God. I was baptized as a baby. My wife was baptized as an adult. We had our children baptized as infants. Christians do not all believe the same thing concerning Baptism. Some maintain that the differing teachings on baptism are unimportant. I and my church, however, believe that Scripture does teach clearly concerning baptism and it is an important article of doctrine to us.

 

Baptism is one of the two sacraments Jesus instituted for his followers so that, along with the Word of the gospel (good news) we can have a visible gospel. In Baptism, we use water together with the Word of God. According to the promise of God, Baptism is a means or instrument by which the Holy Spirit brings us the gift of faith, forgiveness, new life, and salvation. Our Lord Jesus Christ instituted and commanded baptism in Matthew 28:19: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Note that “all nations” includes all people, regardless of age. To limit Jesus’ command to adults only is a human addition to scripture.

 

St. Peter, addressing the people who gathered in Jerusalem on Pentecost, said in Acts 2:38-39: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The promise is for you and your children….” Note that Peter explicitly includes children with all human beings in his command to baptize. Peter promises the gift of the Holy Spirit and forgiveness of sins. In later years, St. Peter writes in his first epistle, “This water [the water of Noah’s flood; see the prior verse] symbolizes baptism that now saves you also…” (3:21). The promise of salvation is connected with baptism.

 

Jesus, in agreement with the Old Testament, teaches that children are born sinful, having inherited the guilt and sin of Adam. Jesus said, “Flesh (sinful nature) gives birth to flesh but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:6). David testifies in Psalm 51:5, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” God created Adam “in his own image” (Genesis 1:26) but when Adam, after the fall into sin, had a son, his son was born in Adam’s image (Genesis 5:3), that is, with sinfulness. Because of sin, we are not born as righteous children of God. We need to be born again (John 3:6). We need to be brought into the family of God (Galatians 3:26,27) and we need the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38-39). This includes little children. Babies certainly appear innocent and pure, but Scripture clearly teaches that we are from birth, and even before, in need of forgiveness. Baptism conveys what we need.

 

Children, even babies, can believe in Jesus. Faith is not something that we conjure up from within ourselves, but it is a gift from God. In Luke 18:15-17 and in Matthew 18:6, Jesus speaks of little children, even babies who were brought to him, as being able to believe and to receive the kingdom (ruling activity) of God. While babies cannot express that faith yet in words, that does not mean faith cannot exist.

 

Baptism is not a good work performed by people. Baptism is a means of grace. Just as it is not a meritorious good work to listen to the gospel but rather the gospel is a means or instrument by which God conveys the gift of faith through hearing (Romans 10:17), so salvation comes through the Holy Spirit by means of baptism as St. Paul writes in Titus 3:5, “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”

 

Jesus commands not only baptism, but also teaching, as ways we are to make disciples. That is why when a baby is baptized the parents, as well as all who witness the baptism, promise to do all they can to ensure the child will learn the truths of the gospel. The parents have a solemn responsibility to do this. When an older child or an adult desires to be baptized, usually instruction in the gospel precedes the baptism. This follows an example set by St. Paul when he instructed the jailer at Philippi, then baptized him and his household.

 

What about those who die without being baptized? We say that baptism is necessary, but we do not say baptism is absolutely necessary. Faith in the completed work of Jesus’ perfect life, innocent death, and resurrection is what saves. John the Baptist expressed faith when he leaped in Elizabeth’s womb as Mary, who was carrying the Christ-child in her womb, greeted her (Luke 1:41). King David comforted himself with the fact that he would go to his son, who died at one week old, (2 Samuel 12:23) and see him again. Babies who, according to the providence of God, never have the chance to receive baptism, we entrust to a merciful and just God. Lack of baptism does not condemn a person. Despising or neglecting baptism, however, is to sin against God.

 

The Greek word “Baptize” means to apply water. Jesus talks about the Pharisees practicing the baptism of their hands, eating utensils and vessels, and even dining couches or cushions (Mark 7:3,4; note that the Greek text uses the verb baptize). If baptism can be applied to dining couches, which would certainly not have been immersed in water, then baptism cannot be limited only to full immersion under the water. Other methods of baptism are also valid according to the definition and use of the word, such as pouring or sprinkling the water. This method was practiced in the early centuries of the Christian church, as is demonstrable from the words of church fathers, art, and artifacts of the time. It is true that full immersion is the picture of baptism St. Paul uses in Romans 6, when he speaks of being buried with Christ in baptism and emerging from the water being joined with Christ in his resurrection (Rom. 6:3,4). But this is a picture Paul uses, not a command that baptism always must be done in this way.

 

Some churches speak of baptism as an act of obedience, a public testimony, or confession of faith. It is all of these, at least for an adult and for parents who bring a child to be baptized, but it is also more. To limit baptism to an act of obedience or a public statement of faith makes baptism seem like a human work, and Christians agree that we are not saved by works but by faith in Christ. Some churches also teach that children are not sinful from birth and therefore do not need to be baptized. On the basis of the Scriptures quoted above, we maintain that a denial of original sin and guilt is a false doctrine. Babies are born sinful and need to be born again spiritually.

 

Some speak of a protective umbrella that is placed over infants and small children because of the faith of their Christian parents. This is not a teaching found in the Bible. Some have written that if a child dies before reaching the “age of accountability” he or she goes to heaven regardless of faith, new birth, or personal reception of God’s forgiveness won by Christ. This is not taught in the Bible.

 

Circumcision was practiced in the Old Testament among the people of Israel for every boy at the age of eight days. This rite joined the child to the covenant, and signified his adoption into the family of God. There are obvious parallels between infant baptism and circumcision. Both are sacraments of “initiation.” In Colossians 2:11-13, St. Paul calls baptism the “circumcision of Christ.”

 

Those who deny baptism to infants often point out the fact that no example of infant baptism is specifically mentioned in Scripture. This is a weak argument, called an “argument from silence.” To that criticism we would point to Jesus’ command to baptize “all nations,” and Peter’s inclusion of children in his Pentecost speech. We could also point to baptisms of entire households, for example, the household of Cornelius in Acts 10:24, the household of Lydia in Acts 16:15, and the entire household of the jailer at Philippi in Acts 16:28-36. In Acts 18:8, Crispus and “all who were in his home” were baptized. In 1 Corinthians 1:16, Paul says he baptized the household of Stephanas. In none of these households does it say that small children were prevented from being baptized. We could also note that there is no example in Scripture of an adult being baptized after being raised in a Christian, believing home.

 

You may not have been convinced by this little essay. In a spirit of humility and Christian love, I invite you to talk with me so that we can address your concerns. I would ask one thing: even if you are not convinced of the need and validity of baptism for your baby, what would be the harm? Even if I am wrong, would baptism hurt the child in any way? He or she could always be baptized again later. If this article of doctrine is inconclusive, as some claim, shouldn’t we rather err on the side of caution? I would rather stand before God on the day of judgment and explain why I baptized babies, than to have to explain why I prevented the little children from receiving it.

Prayers

Lord, we see many nations raging as Moslems rise up in violent acts against our nation and its people. Protect our missionaries serving in lands where your children are persecuted and in danger. Help them not to fear the violence of men, but to seek their refuge in you who can save body and soul for eternal life. Help our nation to open the eyes of those who do not consider the religion of Islam as a threat; help everyone to see the evil teachings by which Satan has enslaved over two billion souls to worship a false god and to rage and fight against your true Word and gospel. At the same time, Lord, help us not to respond with violence or with anger, for we know that your righteousness does not come about through anger, nor does it produce violence and rage. We pray that you will grant Christian missionaries around the world increasing opportunities to show love to those who hate you; give them an open door to teach the nations your truth. Give us increasing opportunities to share your gospel with family and friends. Protect our American soldiers, sailors, Marines, and civilian contractors, especially Elizabeth Quebe’s friend Anthony Lane, as they carry out their duties.

 

We thank you, Lord, for being with Annette Madsen and Dean Leigh as they recover from surgery this past week. Give them a strong and determined faith. Overcome their doubts and fears. Grant healing to their bodies. Hold their families in your protection. As Annette prepares for a second surgery this Tuesday, keep her strong and knowing your forgiveness and love.

 

Lord, we thank you that you are also with Walter Storm as he recovers from a sinus infection. Use the medicine he has been taking to heal him and strengthen him. Use your Word, Lord, to keep his faith strong and growing.

 

We pray for Tom Trotter, a friend of the Wagner family, who is very ill with an as yet unidentified ailment. Help his physicians correctly to diagnose his problems and to provide the medical interventions he needs to overcome them.

 

As George Slater’s Grandmother Jean, Annette Madsen, Laurie McQuillen, Adrienne Kassel, and Maggie Kirwan continue their fight against cancer, grant healing according to your will. Bring them closer to their Savior so that they may confidently look forward to the joy and peace of heaven; and lengthen their days on the earth so that they may live for you.

 

Lord, grant that Collin Lee, who was adopted into your family through baptism yesterday, may remain your child throughout his life.  Bless everyone who will here today receive your true body and blood in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Through this means, you give them your grace, forgiveness, and new life. Strengthen their faith so that they may truly receive these gifts. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

9/11

It is hard to believe this is the eleventh year since the attacks on 9/11/01. Here in California we woke up to news that the WTC was on fire; then speculation that an airplane had accidentally hit it; then the second jet flying into the WTC clarified that we were under attack by someone with monstrous intent. Rumors that many other planes were missing fueled the fears, and then later in the morning news that the Pentagon was burning after yet another jet crashed there, and that Flight 93 went down in a field in Pennsylvania. By evening, we had a consensus forming that al Qaida, led by Osama bin Laden, was responsible.

Soon after that, the questions began to surface. Was al Qaida really responsible? Could the WTC towers really have collapsed due to jets crashing into them? You’ve seen the conspiracy theories, probably looked into them yourself. Could it have been a government plot? Just as the JFK assassination continues to fuel discussions of clandestine conspirators, so the 9/11 attacks will probably fan the flames of heated debate for the remainder of my life.

On earth, we never quite seem to get the full truth. In  politics, we can listen to Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Independents, Greens, and everyone else expound their philosophies and opinions. Each one seems to make valid points. And then we hear the rebuttals. The rebuttal makes sense too.

So the quest for truth goes on.

But there is one source for truth that you should believe above all else. The Bible is God’s Word–inspired by Divinity Himself! Look into it! You will find that in matters of human nature, history, geography, and other things that we can observe and quantify, it is unexcelled in its accuracy and clarity. In fact, the longer you live, the more you realize that human nature is selfish and corrupt, even from infancy; you can count on the fact that regularly previously undiscovered evidence demonstrates the Bible’s reliability. Even scienctific observation confirms what the Bible proclaims: that we are “wonderfully made,” and intelligently designed. The universe displays order and purpose, “declar[ing] the glory of God.”

The Bible challenges us to believe some things that are not scientifically provable, that defy rational explanation, and mystify the honest seeker of truth. Miracles? I’ve never seen one (at least not that I could prove). Resurrection of the dead? It sounds impossible, but the disciples defended their contention that Jesus Christ rose even to the point of death. Thousands of Jesus’ contemporaries believed it within a few years; millions in a few decades. Why? Because they had been convinced somehow. Against logic, they came to faith in Christ with supernatural aid: the Holy Ghost, whom Jesus had promised would come as Counselor and Comforter. The church has stood against countless enemies throughout history. Even as the devil and wicked people attempt to discredit God, the church grows.

Some who read this blog post will not be convinced. For you, I only have this request. Find a Bible. Read it. Test it. You may find amazing blessings!

Thanks Julie

It had been over two years since I posted anything on this Blog. Today I got an email informing me that my dear sister in law, Julie, would be following my blogs. Julie is an amazing blogger. You can read about her and my brother Nate’s adventures as missionaries in Mexico hy following Julie’s blogs.

When Laurie first started me with this blog, I intended to post at least 3 times a week. In order to catch up with my delinquency, I should post twice daily starting today. In nine months I will have fulfilled my quota. I will post Bible studies, devotions, sermons, and book reviews. I will update you on my family. I will relay short stories about my dog. Who knows what I might say? I’ll try to stay away from mindless chatter like this. I just wanted to say, “Thanks Julie,” for “spurring me on”.

Radical

Radical, by David Platt (Multnomah, 2011), was donated to Grace for the library. I usually just glance through books donated to the library, making sure that they are beneficial for the congregation to read. Sometimes if they contain some doctrinal error, I will put a note of warning in the front and put it in the library. Sometimes books are not acceptable for the church lirary and I will either keep them in my personal library or donate them to Good Will.

Radical is one I decided to read all the way. Its subtitle is “Taking back your faith from the American Dream.” In our country, we are blessed beyond the imagination of most of the people in the world. We are by far the wealthiest nation on earth, and per capita we have incomes higher than 90% of other nations. Our religious liberty and freedom of speech are even more valuable. Why has God blessed us so? We can’t say we deserve it. We can’t even say because we worked so hard for it. We can say it was God’s will. But in giving us these material blessings and freedom, we also need to remember that he said, “From whom much is given, much will be demanded.” He has directed us to use our wealth to help the poor, to bring the gospel to the world, and to glorify him with good deeds. How do we measure up?

Pastor Platt notes in Radical that there are more than a billion people on the planet today who have never heard the gospel. What will happen to them? Do we care? Thousands of people on earth will perish today, most of them children, due to malnutrition or preventable disease. There are human beings in places like Mexico, China, India, and many other countries who literally live in garbage dumps, eating and using whatever they can find. Babies are born who will know no other life.

Platt makes a strong case for giving up our chasing after the American Dream. Instead of accumulating more and more stuff, give it away. Keep the necessities. Use your excess to help those less fortunate. Opportunities abound. And when we help the less fortunate, help them know Jesus by sharing the Word with them. Want to be really radical? (Or maybe we could say more Biblical?) Participate in bringing the gospel to the nations by volunteering with WELS Kingdom Workers, or other aid organizations. Is it worth giving up the American Dream so you can gain Eternal Treasures in Heaven?

Lent – Day 38 April 1

Members and friends of Grace,

Names can be confusing.  In our congregation, we have names like Stoppelmann, Van Keirsbelk, Wagenknecht, Heitshusen, and Challacombe.  But the prize for longest name goes to Joan Dressendorfer.  Thirteen letters!  Recently I heard my name introduced as "Wagoncraft" which was a new one.  Those fortunate enough to be blessed with long names know the feeling when your name is butchered.  Some names are just similar enough to be confusing:  We have two Cunninghams: Connie and Carolyn.  Until recently, two other dear ladies shared a first name and similar last names (Winnie Caswell and Winnie Kennedy have both gone to glory.) 
Both pairs of ladies are not related and don't look much alike, but both of them have been called by the other's name.  Some names you can't guess how to say: 
Do you pronounce the e's in Hoke and Bode?  (One yes, one no).  Is Thoni pronounced like "Tony" or like "Thorny" without the 'r'?  I'm flexible: you can call me "Wagon-connect," Wagon-neckt", or the German "Voggenknechchchcht" as long as you don't call me late for dinner.  And then there are first names like Kaitlin (Kate-lynn, Kaitlyn, etc) and Mikaila (Michaela, McKayla, etc.)

We can have fun with people's names, and I don't mean to "make fun" of anyone. 

Names are important.  God tells us in his Holy Book to protect the good names of others.  Our "good name" is our reputation.  We certainly don't like it when misinformation or private information is given out about us.  We should likewise protect others from gossip, speak well of them, and take words and deeds in the kindest possible way.

Of course, the most important Name for us is our God.  He calls himself many names:  LORD, Jehovah, God, Ancient of Days, Alpha and Omega, Jesus, etc.  But it's not just his proper names that are holy; everything he reveals about himself is his Holy Name, his reputation.  The proper way to use God's name is to pray to him, praise him, thank him, and tell others about the salvation he planned and carried out on our behalf.  "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to man by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).  It doesn't matter if you write or pronounce his name in German, Spanish, Greek, Hebrew, English, or Arabic.  What matters is that we know He is the Son of God, who took on human flesh in order to live a perfect life and die an acceptable death as a sacrifice for all.  What matters is that we trust Him as the Risen Lord, that we lean on him, that we learn from him.  Let's remember to focus on Him this Holy Week.

Lent Day 37 – March 31

Devotion – Matthew 25:32-33 – Mar. 30, 2010 Daily devotion from Matthew 25:32-33. See series: Devotions

Matthew 25:32-33 – March 30, 2010

All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

Matthew 25:32-33

When Jesus returns in the splendor of his glory as true God, not only will every angel of heaven be with him, but all people of all time will be gathered before him.  No one will be absent; no one will escape; no one will be forgotten.  This is an event to which all are headed.  With his almighty power, Jesus will raise all the dead to life, from Abel who was the first man to die to the last person to die – perhaps just seconds before the Lord returns.  We marvel at the power of God which shall effect such a universal resurrection of the dead.  We stand in awe of God who will arrange such a massive gathering of billions and billions of people – all the dead will be raised to join those who are still living when Jesus returns and everyone will stand before him.  

Then Jesus will separate the mass of humanity into two groups, “as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”  Jesus refers to a customary practice of the shepherds in Palestine. During the daytime they allow the sheep and the goats to graze together in the same pasture, but at night they separate them. On the Last Day, the Good Shepherd will separate all the people gathered before him. While on earth his true followers coexist with unbelievers.  The relationship between believer and unbeliever can be difficult. In fact, it can be hostile as history bears out. An enmity exists between them, even as God said in Genesis 3:15 that there would be enmity between the seed of the women (believers) and the seed of Satan (unbelievers). Life for Christians can become very weary because of this hostility. Their hearts are wounded, minds troubled, spirits agitated under the pressure from the enemies of Christ. But on the Last Day, there will be relief forever. Jesus will separate his believers from the unbelievers.  And his faithful people will finally be free from all the unjust actions and attitudes they faced while living for the Lord on earth.

Jesus said, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10: 9-10).  Trusting only in him, we look forward to the glorious and wonderful life he’s prepared for us in heaven!

Jesus, keep me aware that the time of the world is running out and that you will return just as you promised.  Prepare me for your coming by sustaining me in faith through the power of your Word.   Keep me faithful to the end when I will receive by your grace the crown of eternal life.  Amen.

Today’s Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Lent Day 35 – March 27th

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you.  Away from me, you evildoers' " (Matthew 7:21-23).

Yesterday we heard the tragic case of 'Hank', who did many things in order to try to make himself right with God.  He went to church and heard the Word, but never believed it.  He did not deny himself to bear the cross of Christ.  He
chose his own crosses, and carried them himself.  He did not do the will of God:  "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day" (John 6:40).

In the Bible we meet another doer of good deeds.  Her name was Tabitha.  Tabitha was ill, and died young.  At her funeral, many people spoke about how she had helped them with her kind words and deeds.  She made clothes for widows and orphans.  She raised money for the poor and gave to the needy.  Jesus said that Christians are like branches on a vine.  Connected to the vine, they bear much
fruit.  Tabitha was not thinking about all her good works as being something that saved her.  She was just celebrating her salvation in Christ.  God gave Tabitha a special, rare gift.  Through Peter, she was brought back to life.  You can read about her in Acts 9:36-41. 

That was 2000 years ago.  Sometime after this, Tabitha must have died for a second time.  That time, she would not have Peter to raise her up again.  Tabitha met Jesus, and Jesus said to her, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you..." (Matthew 25:34).  He recounted her acts of kindness, mercy, and charity.  But Tabitha said, "When did I do those things for you?"  And he said, "If you did it for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me (Matthew 25:40).  So Christians will have this same experience, too.  All who believe in the Son have
eternal life.  Just as Tabitha now awaits another resurrection, we who have been brought from spiritual death to spiritual life look for that day of Jesus' return, when he will raise us, too.

Lent Day 34 – Gifts of Grace

Hank went to church every Sunday.  "It's my duty," he said.  Every Saturday, he mowed the grass in his yard, then at the church, and then at Mrs. McMurray's house next door.  He thought, "I've got a lot of sins in my life to make up for."  A patriotic American, he always voted and never missed an election.  He fought for his country in Viet Nam.    "Good father, good husband.  Helper of
the poor, generous to the needy, even paid his taxes cheerfully and willingly," they said at his funeral.  He was an amazing man, of good reputation and blessed memory.

Hank left his body below and went to meet his maker.  "Lord, I have done what you told me to do," he said.  "I lived by the golden rule, I loved my neighbor as myself.  I even went the extra mile, turned the other cheek, and repaid evil with kindness.  Remember how I suffered and sweated for you and for your name?"

And Jesus said, "Who are you?"

Please read Matthew 7:21-23.

Too many people, sadly, work hard and do so much to help others.  They benefit society, and make the world a nicer and more pleasant place to live.  They are good neighbors.  One of them might be the one who does your handy-man work, or who drove your child to the ER when he got hurt.  They haven't committed any crime.  But Jesus doesn't recognize them.  Jesus knows those who believe in him.  Those who trust him have his righteousness.  They are cleansed of all
their sins.  When they do works, they don't let themselves become distracted by the glitz and glitter of good deeds.  Instead, they humbly thank the Lord.

Some say it doesn't seem right.  How can God accept faith, and not anything else?  We cannot explain it.  We only hear God's Word and promise, and believe it.  But if you think about it, it is a great comfort that our salvation is
complete and finished by Jesus' life, death and resurrection.  If it depended on us, we could never be sure.  But with Christ as our substitute, we can be
confident.  That is what makes it a gift of grace.  And everything else that we do motivated by faith in Christ and love, God will reward:  not because we deserve it, but by his grace.

Lent Day 31 – March 23rd

JESUS CAME NOT TO CALL THE RIGHTEOUS, BUT SINNERS

There are two types of people:  those who divide people into two types, and those who don't.

That is an absurd statement designed to show the absurdity of oversimplifying people.  Nobody I have ever met is always bad all the time.  Nor have I met anyone who was always good all the time.  There are shades of grey in everyone's attitudes and actions.  Some people would be mean and selfish in my opinion, while others are kind and generous.  But those evaluations are only my opinion. 
What does God see?  He has given us the ten commandments and other statements of his expectations for people.  He summarizes the law by saying, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself."  And when he measures us against his perfect law and his righteousness, he says, "There is no one righteous, no, not one."  He doesn't compare us to any other person, just himself.  We stand or fall by our own merits.  And sadly, we all have failed the test.  Even if I could hold myself to a minimum of sins, or even just sin one time, I would be condemned by my own fault.  But it's impossible to minimize my sin.  I am completely sinful, unclean.
 
Jesus was not denying that fundamental teaching of Scripture (Total depravity, original sin) when he said (Matthew 9:13) "I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."  He was proposing a theoretical scenario.  If someone were righteous, he would have no need for repentance, no need for forgiveness, no need for Jesus.  Sinners need such things.  
 
Some people think they are righteous.  They make their sins sound really small; they make their charity sound really large.  But are they really righteous? Sadly, the answer is "No!"  Because they think they are, though, they think they have no need for forgiveness or for Jesus.  Through their pride, they do not accept the work of their Savior.
 
If you have been led to a point where you saw that you were sinful, the Holy Spirit called you to be Jesus' disciple through His Word and sacraments, and you now know your Savior, then don't be proud.  Thank him for undeserved mercy.  Be humble.