THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM.
335. What is Baptism?
Baptism is not water alone, but it is water comprehended in God's command, and united with His Word.
336. What is God's command concerning Baptism?
It is given in the words of Christ in the last chapter of Matthew:
"All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
337. In whose name then are you baptized?
I am baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
338. Explain this further.
In Baptism I have entered into fellowship with the triune God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; I have become His own, and have been made heir of all His gracious gifts.
339. Is the baptism of little children in agreement with Christ's command?
Yes; Christ Himself has said: "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."
Mark 10:14. John 3:5.
340. Who should administer Baptism?
Baptism should be administered by the minister of the church, but when necessary it may be administered by any Christian.
341. What benefit do we have from Baptism?
Baptism works the forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting life to all who believe what the Word and promise of God declare.
342. What is God's promise concerning Baptism?
It is given in the words of Christ in the sixteenth chapter of Mark:
"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be condemned."
343. How does Baptism save us from sin, death, and the devil?
In Baptism we come into fellowship with Christ, and are made partakers in His redemption.
Gal. 3:27. As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Rom. 6:3, 4.
344. How can water do such great things?
It is not water indeed that does it, but the Word of God, which is in and with the water, and faith which trusts this Word of God in the water.
For without the Word of God, the water is water alone, and no Baptism. But with the Word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost.
Titus 3:5–7. According to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior;
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
345. Why is Baptism called the "washing of regeneration"?
Because the Holy Spirit in Baptism cleanses us from sin, and gives us a new spiritual life.
1 Pet. 3:21. Baptism is not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
346. Is not Baptism also called a covenant?
Yes; Baptism is a covenant; in Baptism God gives us a new life and His grace, and we promise Him to renounce the devil, and all His works, and all his ways, and to believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
347. Who enjoy the blessings that God promises in Baptism?
All who remain in the covenant of their Baptism.
348. When does he who was baptized as a child confirm the covenant of his Baptism?
At his confirmation, when he renews the covenant of his Baptism in the midst of the assembled congregation, having first been instructed in God's Word.
349. Is it possible to remain in the covenant of Baptism?
Yes; by the grace of God it is possible.
Phil. 4:13. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
350. What must we do to remain in the grace of our Baptism?
We must watch and pray, and make diligent use of the Word of God and the Lord's Supper.
351. In what ways may we break the covenant of our Baptism?
1. When we little by little forget our covenant, resist the Holy Spirit, and neglect prayer, so that we become more and more worldly-minded.
2. When we fall in coarse and open sins.
352. Will not God again receive us when we have broken the covenant of our Baptism?
Yes; God has not broken His part of the covenant, and when we again turn to Him, He is always glad to receive us.
Luke 15:20. He arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
353. How does a repentant sinner get courage to return to God?
He gets courage from considering the tender Gospel invitation of Christ, and from seeking God in prayer.
Matt. 11:28. Come unto me, all that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
354. Does not also he who remains true to the covenant of his Baptism need repentance?
Yes; he needs daily repentance and daily renewal. See 250.
355. What does the baptizing with water signify?
It signifies that the old man in us should, by daily sorrow and repentance, be drowned and die, with all sins and evil desires; and again a new man daily appear more and more, who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
356. What is meant by saying that the old man in us should die, and the new man appear more and more?
Sin should be rooted out from us through daily sorrow and repentance, and our love to God and man should grow up within us more and more, so that it may appear in all our conduct that we have the mind of Christ.
Rom. 6:4. We are buried with Christ by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
357. What are the duties of sponsors?
They should pray for the child whose baptism they have witnessed, they should remember the covenant of their own Baptism, and afterwards, as far as possible, see that the child is brought up in the fear of God.