Baptismal Reflections

This past Sunday we had my youngest son baptised. Providentially, I was the elder assisting in leading the worship service that day and so I had the opportunity to make some comments about baptism in response to the pastor's sermon. I wanted to drive home some summary ideas about baptism since I knew that both sets of grandparents would be there and their sacramental views are typical "mainstream evangelical;" so there was much potential for confusion. I was discussing this with my friend Brant, and he asked me to post my comments on the blog. So, here they are. (These comments are by no means complete, and I'm sure I left out some other good points.)

As we have heard today, our Reformed understanding of Baptism rests on a number of key concepts:

1. There is in Scripture a fundamental unity and continuity between the Old and New Testaments: There is only one plan of salvation throughout the Bible. Salvation is and has always been by grace through faith in God.

2. Baptism doesn’t save us or our children any more than circumcision saved the Israelites.

3. As the song says, “Father Abraham had many sons…I am one of them, and so are you.” The Apostle Paul tells us that all who have faith in Christ are sons of Abraham (Gal. 3:7) and heirs according to the Promise (3:29). And God tells us from the start that this Promise, or Covenant, is everlasting (Gen 17:7).

4. Baptism is not a sign of something I did (my decision to follow Christ). It serves not as my witness to others, but as God’s witness to me. Since all men are helpless to save themselves and since salvation is the work of God alone, baptism beautifully portrays this spiritual truth: The water is applied to me, not by me; I am passive in the receiving of baptism, just as I am in the receiving the saving grace of God.

5. Baptism serves as a “stamp” or “seal” of Divine authenticity which God uses to assure us of His Promise of salvation to all those who believe in Him. The Apostle Peter reminds us that the same Promise God made to Abraham is “for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself” (Act. 2:39).

6. Scripture repeatedly teaches that God works redemptively not just in individuals, but through households. Children of believers are special in God’s eyes. They receive numerous blessings and advantages that those outside the household do not enjoy. The Great Commission is fulfilled first in the home—when godly parents exercise their great privilege and responsibility to raise up their children in the Lord. Children of believers are set apart from the children of unbelievers and therefore receive the mark of God’s promise to His people in Baptism.

7. Finally, Baptism sets us apart to a holy life lived for God. God’s gracious Promise of salvation is for those who embrace the Promise through faith and repentance. But if we do not live lives of faith befitting our baptism, we will receive God’s wrath and judgment. If you have been baptized but are not living a life of faith and love for God, and serving Him out of thankfulness for His mercy, see to it that you turn now and receive God’s abundant mercy and love.

Praise be to God for His faithfulness and mercy!

“But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them” (Psa. 103:17-18).

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations” (Deut. 7:9).