Of Baptism.- BAPTISM
is a sacrament of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, [1] not
only for the solemn admission of the party baptised into the visible
church; [2] but also to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of
grace, [3] of his ingrafting into Christ, [4] of regeneration, [5] of remission
of sins, [6] and of his giving up unto God through Jesus Christ, to walk
in newness of life: [7] which sacrament is, by Christ's own appointment,
to be continued in this church until the end of the world. [8]
- The
outward element to be used in this sacrament is water, wherewith the
party is to be baptised in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost, by a minister of the gospel, lawfully called
thereunto. [9]
- Dipping
of the person into the water is not necessary; but baptism is rightly
administered by pouring or sprinkling water upon the person. [10]
- Not
only those that do actually profess faith in and obedience unto
Christ, [11] but also the infants of one or both believing parents are to
be baptised. [12]
- Although
it be a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance, [13] yet grace and
salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it, as that no person can
be regenerated or saved without it, [14] or that all are baptised are
undoubtedly regenerated. [15]
- The
efficacy of baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is
administered; [16] 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. [17]
- The sacrament of baptism is but once to be administered to any person. [18]
[18] Tit 3:5.
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