Baptism

Christ Appointed Baptism for His Church

Baptism marks those received into the visible covenant community. It points to the cleansing and life that belong to Christ alone.

The risen Lord commanded his apostles to disciple the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:18-20 (opens in a new tab)). Baptism is a sacrament instituted by Christ. The water doesn't save by its own power. God uses an outward sign to declare the promises of his covenant.

Westminster Confession 28.1 (opens in a new tab) calls baptism a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, of ingrafting into Christ, regeneration, remission of sins, and the baptized person's engagement to belong to God. Read this with Romans 6:3-4 (opens in a new tab), Galatians 3:27 (opens in a new tab), and Titus 3:5 (opens in a new tab). The sign directs our faith to Christ and to the Spirit's work.

Why Baptize the Children of Believers?

The original Confession teaches that the infants of one or both believing parents are to be baptized (WCF 28.4 (opens in a new tab)). That follows the continuity of God's covenant promise. The Lord gave Abraham a sign for himself and his household (Genesis 17:7-12 (opens in a new tab)). Peter preached the promise to his hearers and to their children, as many as the Lord would call (Acts 2:38-39 (opens in a new tab)). The New Testament also speaks of the children of believers as holy in a covenantal sense (1 Corinthians 7:14 (opens in a new tab)).

Under the new covenant the bloody sign of circumcision has passed away. Baptism signifies union with Christ in his death and resurrection. The Westminster divines held that children of the covenant belong within the visible administration of the covenant of grace. They receive its sign before they can explain the doctrines it teaches.

This doesn't establish that every baptized child is regenerate. Ishmael received circumcision, yet Scripture distinguishes outward covenant membership from saving faith (Romans 9:6-8 (opens in a new tab)). Parents must teach their baptized children to repent, trust Christ, and live as those set apart to his service.

What About Someone Coming to Faith as an Adult?

An unbaptized adult who professes faith in Christ should seek baptism and membership in a faithful church. The account of the Ethiopian in Acts 8:35-38 (opens in a new tab) illustrates the gospel preached and baptism received. The church examines the profession and administers the sacrament under its lawful oversight. Baptism isn't an act of private self-dedication performed apart from the church.

Scripture records households receiving baptism, including Lydia's and the jailer's (Acts 16:14-15 (opens in a new tab), 30-34). Those accounts belong in the discussion, but they don't by themselves tell us the age of every household member. Our case for covenant baptism rests on Scripture's broader teaching about the covenant and the visible church.

How Is Baptism Administered?

The Confession directs that baptism be given with water in the name of the Trinity. Dipping isn't necessary. Pouring or sprinkling is lawful (WCF 28.2-3 (opens in a new tab)). The emphasis belongs on Christ's appointed sign and promise, not on producing a particular emotional experience.

A person is to be baptized once (WCF 28.7 (opens in a new tab)). Someone who was validly baptized before conversion doesn't need a second baptism simply because he now understands the gospel more clearly. Questions about a previous baptism should be brought to the elders, who can examine what was actually done.

Does Baptism Regenerate Everyone Who Receives It?

No. The grace signified isn't inseparably tied to the moment the water is applied. Not everyone baptized is undoubtedly regenerated, and salvation isn't limited to those who received the sacrament (WCF 28.5-6 (opens in a new tab)). God gives the grace promised to those to whom it belongs in his appointed time.

That truth gives parents no reason to neglect the command. Nor does the command give them a reason to presume their children's conversion. Pray with your children, teach them Scripture, bring them to worship, and remind them what their baptism declares. The minister applies water. The Holy Spirit gives life.

For the doctrine behind this practice, read Covenant Theology. For what follows baptism in the life of the church, read Church Membership and The Lord's Supper.