_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.