Of Baptism
1689 London Baptist Confession · 29.1–29.4
29.1. Of Baptism
Baptism is an Ordinance of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, to be unto the party Baptized, a sign of his fellowship with him, in his death, and resurrection; of his being engrafted into him; of remission of sins; and of his giving up unto God through Jesus Christ to live and walk in newness of Life.
Proof texts
- Romans 6:3-5 — [3] Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. [5] For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
- Colossians 2:12 — [12] having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
- Galatians 3:27 — [27] For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
- Mark 1:4 — [4] John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
- Acts 22:16 — [16] And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’
- Romans 6:4 — [4] We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Romans 6:3-5 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 6 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q88 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q149 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
WSC Q88 · WLC Q149 · WCF 27.1 · HC Q65 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · SD 28.1
29.2. Of Baptism
Those who do actually professe repentance towards God, faith in, and obedience, to our Lord Jesus, are the only proper subjects of this ordinance.
Proof texts
- Mark 16:16 — [16] Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
- Acts 8:36, 37 — [36] And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?”
- Acts 2:41 — [41] So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
- Acts 8:12 — [12] But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
- Acts 18:8 — [8] Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Mark 16:16 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 5 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q88 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q149 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
WSC Q88 · WLC Q149 · WCF 27.1 · HC Q65 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · SD 28.1
29.3. Of Baptism
The outward element to be used in this ordinance is water, wherein the party is to be baptized, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Proof texts
- Matthew 28:19, 20 — [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Acts 8:38 — [38] And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Matthew 28:19, 20 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 2 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q88 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q149 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
WSC Q88 · WLC Q149 · WCF 27.1 · HC Q65 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · SD 28.1
29.4. Of Baptism
Immersion, or dipping of the person in water, is necessary to the due administration of this ordinance.
Proof texts
- Matthew 3:16 — [16] And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;
- John 3:23 — [23] John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized
For discussion
- The Assembly cited Matthew 3:16 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
- 2 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
- WSC Q88 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
- WLC Q149 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
Read alongside
WSC Q88 · WLC Q149 · WCF 27.1 · HC Q65 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · SD 28.1