Study Reformed

28.1. Of Baptism

Baptism is a sacrament of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, not only for the solemn admission of the party baptized into the visible Church; but also, to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, of his ingrafting into Christ, of regeneration, of remission of sins, and of his giving up unto God through Jesus Christ, to walk in the newness of life. Which sacrament is, by Christ’s own appointment, to be continued in His Church until the end of the world.

Proof texts

Matt. 28:19 — [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,
1 Cor. 12:13 — [13] For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — Jews or Greeks, slaves or free — and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
Rom. 4:11 with Col. 2:11, 12
Gal. 3:27 — [27] For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Rom. 6:5 — [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.
Tit. 3:5
Mark 1:4 — [4] John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Rom. 6:3, 4 — [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.
Matt. 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.”

For discussion

The Assembly cited Matt. 28:19 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
9 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q94 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WLC Q165 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q94 · WLC Q165 · WLC Q149 · WSC Q88 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · HC Q65 · 1689 28.1 · SD 28.1 · IAR 7.1 · SC60 6.1 · SC60 6.2 · SC60 6.3 · SC60 6.4 · SC60 6.5 · SHC 6.1 · SHC 6.2 · IAR 8.1 · SC60 7.1 · SC60 7.2 · SC60 7.3 · SHC 7.1 · SHC 7.2 · SHC 7.3

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): These Sections teach — 476 CONFESSION OF FAirH. 1st. That grace and salvation are not so inseparably united to baptism that only the baptized are saved, or that all the baptized are saved. 2d. That, nevertheless, it is a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance, for that its observance is commanded, and, in the right use of it, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost to such (whether of age or infants) as the grace belongeth unto. 3d. That the efficacy of baptism, even in cases in which the grace signified is really conveyed, is not tied down to the moment of time wherein the sacrament is administered, but…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): This section, in the first place, AflSrms that baptism is a sacrament of the New lestament, instituted by Christ, and to be continued in his Church until the end of the world; and, secondly,' Declares the ends of baptism. I. Baptism is a sacrament of the New Testament, insti284} CONFESSION OF FAITH. [|CHAP. XXVIII. tuted by Christ. John, the harbinger of Christ, was the first Avho administered baptism by divine authority. The Lord " sent him to baptize with water;" and " there went out unto him all the land of Judea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins." — John i. 33; Mark i. 4. Jesus, after he…

28.2. Of Baptism

The outward element to be used in this sacrament is water, wherewith the party is to be baptized, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, by a minister of the Gospel, lawfully called thereunto.

Proof texts

Matt. 3:11 — [11] “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
John 1:33 — [33] I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’
Matt. 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.”

For discussion

The Assembly cited Matt. 3:11 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q94 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WLC Q165 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q94 · WLC Q165 · WLC Q166 · WLC Q149 · WSC Q88 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · HC Q65 · 1689 28.1 · SD 28.1 · IAR 7.1 · SC60 6.1 · SC60 6.2 · SC60 6.3 · SC60 6.4 · SC60 6.5 · SHC 6.1 · SHC 6.2 · IAR 8.1 · SC60 7.1 · SC60 7.2 · SC60 7.3 · SHC 7.1 · SHC 7.2 · SHC 7.3

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): These Sections teach — 476 CONFESSION OF FAirH. 1st. That grace and salvation are not so inseparably united to baptism that only the baptized are saved, or that all the baptized are saved. 2d. That, nevertheless, it is a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance, for that its observance is commanded, and, in the right use of it, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost to such (whether of age or infants) as the grace belongeth unto. 3d. That the efficacy of baptism, even in cases in which the grace signified is really conveyed, is not tied down to the moment of time wherein the sacrament is administered, but…

28.3. Of Baptism

Dipping of the person into the water is not necessary; but Baptism is rightly administered by pouring or sprinkling water upon the person.

Proof texts

Heb. 9:10, 19, 20, 21, 22 — [10] but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation. [19] For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, [20] saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you.” [21] And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship. [22] Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
Acts 2:41 — [41] So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
Acts 16:33 — [33] And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.
Mark 7:4 — [4] and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches. )

For discussion

The Assembly cited Heb. 9:10, 19, 20, 21, 22 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
4 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q94 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WSC Q95 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q94 · WSC Q95 · WLC Q165 · WLC Q166 · WLC Q149 · WSC Q88 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · HC Q65 · 1689 28.1 · SD 28.1 · IAR 7.1 · SC60 6.1 · SC60 6.2 · SC60 6.3 · SC60 6.4 · SC60 6.5 · SHC 6.1 · SHC 6.2 · IAR 8.1 · SC60 7.1 · SC60 7.2 · SC60 7.3 · SHC 7.1 · SHC 7.2 · SHC 7.3

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): These Sections teach — 476 CONFESSION OF FAirH. 1st. That grace and salvation are not so inseparably united to baptism that only the baptized are saved, or that all the baptized are saved. 2d. That, nevertheless, it is a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance, for that its observance is commanded, and, in the right use of it, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost to such (whether of age or infants) as the grace belongeth unto. 3d. That the efficacy of baptism, even in cases in which the grace signified is really conveyed, is not tied down to the moment of time wherein the sacrament is administered, but…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): This section relates to the mode of administering baptism. This is a subject which has occasioned much controversy among Christians, and the dispute is still carried on with unabated zeal. A large and respectable body of Christians strenuously contend that baptism can only be valid when performed by immersion, or by dipping the whole body under water. Our Confession does not deny that baptism may be lawfully performed by immersion ; but maintains that it is rightly administered by pouring or sprinkling water on the person. No conclusion can be drawn from the word baptize, or from the original term; for it has been most satisfactorily proved that it signifies to wash with water in any way. Several instances of…

28.4. Of Baptism

Not only those that do actually profess faith in and obedience unto Christ, but also the infants of one or both believing parents, are to be baptized.

Proof texts

Mark 16:15, 16 — [15] And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. [16] Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Acts 8:37, 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.
Gen. 17:7, 9, 10 with Gal. 3:9, 14 and Col. 2:11, 12 & Acts 2:38, 39 & Rom. 4:11, 12
1 Cor. 7:14 — [14] For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
Matt. 28:19 — [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,
Mark 10:13, 14, 15, 16 — [13] And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. [14] But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. [15] Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” [16] And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Luke 18:15 — [15] Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Mark 16:15, 16 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
7 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q95 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WLC Q166 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q95 · WLC Q166 · WLC Q149 · WSC Q88 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · HC Q65 · 1689 28.1 · SD 28.1 · IAR 7.1 · SC60 6.1 · SC60 6.2 · SC60 6.3 · SC60 6.4 · SC60 6.5 · SHC 6.1 · SHC 6.2 · IAR 8.1 · SC60 7.1 · SC60 7.2 · SC60 7.3 · SHC 7.1 · SHC 7.2 · SHC 7.3

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): These Sections teach — 476 CONFESSION OF FAirH. 1st. That grace and salvation are not so inseparably united to baptism that only the baptized are saved, or that all the baptized are saved. 2d. That, nevertheless, it is a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance, for that its observance is commanded, and, in the right use of it, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost to such (whether of age or infants) as the grace belongeth unto. 3d. That the efficacy of baptism, even in cases in which the grace signified is really conveyed, is not tied down to the moment of time wherein the sacrament is administered, but…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): This section relates to the subjects of baptism. That baptism is to be administered to all adult persons who profess their faith in Christ and obedience to him, and who have not been baptized in their infancy, is admitted by all who acknowledge the divine institution of this ordinance. But there are many who confidently assert that baptism ought to be confined to adidts. These were originally called Anabaptists, because they rebaptized those Avho had received baptism in their infancy, and Antiptedobaptists, because they were opposed to the baptism of infants. They now assume the name of Baptists ; but this designation we cannot concede to them, if it be intended to insinuate that others do not baptize, and are…

28.5. Of Baptism

Although it be a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance, yet grace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it, as that no person can be regenerated or saved without it; or, that all that are baptized are undoubtedly regenerated.

Proof texts

Luke 7:30 with Exod. 4:24, 25, 26
Rom. 4:11 — [11] He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,
Acts 10:2, 4, 22, 31, 45, 47 — [2] a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. [4] And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. [22] And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” [31] and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God. [45] And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. [47] “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”
Acts 8:13, 23 — [13] Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed. [23] For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.”

For discussion

The Assembly cited Luke 7:30 with Exod. 4:24, 25, 26 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
4 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WSC Q95 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WLC Q166 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q95 · WLC Q166 · WLC Q167 · WLC Q149 · WSC Q88 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · HC Q65 · 1689 28.1 · SD 28.1 · IAR 7.1 · SC60 6.1 · SC60 6.2 · SC60 6.3 · SC60 6.4 · SC60 6.5 · SHC 6.1 · SHC 6.2 · IAR 8.1 · SC60 7.1 · SC60 7.2 · SC60 7.3 · SHC 7.1 · SHC 7.2 · SHC 7.3

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): These Sections teach — 476 CONFESSION OF FAirH. 1st. That grace and salvation are not so inseparably united to baptism that only the baptized are saved, or that all the baptized are saved. 2d. That, nevertheless, it is a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance, for that its observance is commanded, and, in the right use of it, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost to such (whether of age or infants) as the grace belongeth unto. 3d. That the efficacy of baptism, even in cases in which the grace signified is really conveyed, is not tied down to the moment of time wherein the sacrament is administered, but…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): This section affirms — 1. That baptism is not of such absolute necessity to salvation, that none can be saved without it. God has not made baptism and faith equally necessary. — Mark xvi. 16. The penitent thief was saved without being baptized. But baptism is an instituted means of salvation, and the contempt of it must be a great sin on the part of the parents, though the neglect cannot be ascribed to the child before he arrives at maturity, and cannot, therefore, involve him in the guilt. 2. That baptism is not regeneration, nor are all who are baptized undoubtedly regenerated. That the baptism of water is regeneration, and that every person duly baptized is born again, is…

28.6. Of Baptism

The efficacy of Baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered; yet notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred, by the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongeth unto, according to the counsel of God’s own will, in His appointed time.

Proof texts

John 3:5, 8 — [5] Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. [8] The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Gal. 3:27 — [27] For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Titus 3:5 — [5] he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
Eph. 5:25, 26 — [25] Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, [26] that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
Acts 2:38, 41 — [38] And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [41] So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

For discussion

The Assembly cited John 3:5, 8 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 Q95 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WLC Q167 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q95 · WLC Q167 · WLC Q149 · WSC Q88 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · HC Q65 · 1689 28.1 · SD 28.1 · IAR 7.1 · SC60 6.1 · SC60 6.2 · SC60 6.3 · SC60 6.4 · SC60 6.5 · SHC 6.1 · SHC 6.2 · IAR 8.1 · SC60 7.1 · SC60 7.2 · SC60 7.3 · SHC 7.1 · SHC 7.2 · SHC 7.3

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): These Sections teach — 476 CONFESSION OF FAirH. 1st. That grace and salvation are not so inseparably united to baptism that only the baptized are saved, or that all the baptized are saved. 2d. That, nevertheless, it is a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance, for that its observance is commanded, and, in the right use of it, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost to such (whether of age or infants) as the grace belongeth unto. 3d. That the efficacy of baptism, even in cases in which the grace signified is really conveyed, is not tied down to the moment of time wherein the sacrament is administered, but…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): 1. Tlie efficacy of baptism is not confined to the moment of administration; but though not effectual at the time it is 292 CONFESSION OF FAITH. QcHAP. XXIX. administered, it may afterwards be effectual, through the working of the Spirit. — John iii. 5, 8. 2. Baptism is not to be administered to any person oftener than once. This is plain from the nature of the ordinance. It is a solemn admission of the person baptized as a member of the visible Church; and though those that "walk disorderly" are to be cast out, yet there is no hint in Scripture that, when re-admitted, they are to be baptized again. The thing signified by baptism cannot be repeated, and the…

28.7. Of Baptism

The sacrament of Baptism is but once to be administered unto any person.

Proof texts

Titus 3:5 — [5] he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

For discussion

The Assembly cited Titus 3:5 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
WSC Q95 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
WLC Q167 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
The Assembly divided over this: The Children of Believers and the Sign of the Covenant. Who belongs in the visible covenant, and what is the sign? What turns on the answer?

Read alongside

WSC Q95 · WLC Q167 · WLC Q149 · WSC Q88 · BC 8.1 · BC 8.2 · BC 8.3 · HC Q65 · 1689 28.1 · SD 28.1 · IAR 7.1 · SC60 6.1 · SC60 6.2 · SC60 6.3 · SC60 6.4 · SC60 6.5 · SHC 6.1 · SHC 6.2 · IAR 8.1 · SC60 7.1 · SC60 7.2 · SC60 7.3 · SHC 7.1 · SHC 7.2 · SHC 7.3

Leader's notes

A Commentary on the Confession of Faith (A.A. Hodge): These Sections teach — 476 CONFESSION OF FAirH. 1st. That grace and salvation are not so inseparably united to baptism that only the baptized are saved, or that all the baptized are saved. 2d. That, nevertheless, it is a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance, for that its observance is commanded, and, in the right use of it, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited and conferred by the Holy Ghost to such (whether of age or infants) as the grace belongeth unto. 3d. That the efficacy of baptism, even in cases in which the grace signified is really conveyed, is not tied down to the moment of time wherein the sacrament is administered, but…

An Exposition of the Confession of Faith (Robert Shaw): 1. Tlie efficacy of baptism is not confined to the moment of administration; but though not effectual at the time it is 292 CONFESSION OF FAITH. QcHAP. XXIX. administered, it may afterwards be effectual, through the working of the Spirit. — John iii. 5, 8. 2. Baptism is not to be administered to any person oftener than once. This is plain from the nature of the ordinance. It is a solemn admission of the person baptized as a member of the visible Church; and though those that "walk disorderly" are to be cast out, yet there is no hint in Scripture that, when re-admitted, they are to be baptized again. The thing signified by baptism cannot be repeated, and the…