There is only one baptism. It's the same baptism for adults and children. Baptism separates us from the world and it glues us to Christ. Baptism represents several things. It is a very simple ceremony, but it is rich with meaning. Baptism is an outer washing with water which represents an inner washing by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, baptism represents the new life in Christ, the forgiveness of sins in Christ, the sanctification that separates us from sin, Satan and the world. Baptism is an initiatory rite. It joins us publicly to Christ's church. It initiates our discipleship. It professes our faith in Christ and it seals to us all the promises of the gospel. When we believe, baptism reminds us all that God promises in the gospel belongs to us. This is true for us and for our children. When an adult believes, who has not been baptised, baptism does all the above for that adult. When a child is baptised, he also is beginning his discipleship and when he believes, all that was promised to him in his baptism, becomes his. The promise of the Covenant of Grace is to us and our children. Those who are born into the covenant should receive the sign of its promise. A child born into the covenant is to be raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord. He is not of the world; he belongs to the Lord. He is to be reminded of the call of his baptism. He is to be called to faith that he may receive all the benefits of the gospel that are conditioned be faith. This is true of Jew and Gentile, male and female. There is only one baptism and that baptism includes us all into Christ. |
