WCF 28 Of Baptism Flashcards
Define baptism
Washing with water in the triune Name
What are the purposes of baptism?
- Solemn admission into the church
- Sign and seal of covenant of grace, of ingrafting into Christ, of remission of sins, of being given up to God through Christ to new life, of adoption and of resurrection.
What about RC and Eastern Orthodox baptism?
Not valid because the minister is not lawfully ordained.
RC claims baptism is the reality, not a sign.
What are Murray’s arguments for infant baptism?
The Bible is one organic whole.
The benefits of baptism match the benefits of circumcision so baptism replaces circumcision and applies to infants just as circumcision did.
What three aspects correspond between circumcision and baptism?
Primarily union with God
Removal of defilement
Purity from guilt
What does it mean that baptism is a means of grace?
There is real grace conferred and exhibited by the Holy Spirit. It may not manifest immediately though.
How do we improve our baptism?
Recall in humility need for such a washing. Mortify sin. Resolve to live by faith. Seek fellowship. Walk in brotherly love.
What does baptism represent?
Baptism represents cleansing.
What indicates that baptism was not immersion?
Ethiopian eunuch–both went down.
Jewish cleansing pots were not immersion-sized vessels.
Why must baptism be administered by an ordained minister?
Baptism is an act of preaching the Word.
How does one’s view of the covenants influence the view of baptism?
If the covenant is seen as a unity then membership of the entire household is a continuous norm.
When should we think of “improving” our baptism?
When we watch another baptism, and in times of temptation.
