Part 8a – The Means of Grace: Covenant Baptism New Covenant Presbyterian Church Inquirer’s Class

Review: The Doctrine of the Church Presbyterian – government by a college of elders Reformed – the doctrine of the historic Christian faith Review:

The Means of Grace The Means of Grace – receiving the strengthening benefits of our redemption The Word – the “foolishness of preaching” The Means of Grace

The Means of Grace The Means of Grace – receiving the strengthening benefits of our redemption The Word – the “foolishness of preaching” The sacraments (or ordinances) “sacramentum” – Lat.: “oath/vow to the gods” “musterium” – Gk.: mystery, something revealed Ordinance – a command, instruction Prayer The Means of Grace

Sacraments or “Ordinances” The sacraments (ordinances) are signs – Joe’s Diner – Good Eats! Sacraments or “Ordinances”

Sacraments or “Ordinances” The sacraments (ordinances) are signs & they are seals - Sacraments or “Ordinances”

WLC Q. 162. What is a sacrament. A WLC Q. 162. What is a sacrament? A. A sacrament is an holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his church, to signify, seal, and exhibit unto those that are within the covenant of grace, the benefits of his mediation; …

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:19- 20, ESV) And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. (Lk. 22:19-20, ESV) How many are there?

The meaning of the sacraments is tied to Covenant Continuity Gen. 1:1 Gen. 3:15 Rev. 22:21 Covenant of Covenant of Grace Works Covenant of Redemption The meaning of the sacraments is tied to Covenant Continuity

The meaning of the sacraments is tied to Covenant Continuity Circumcision Baptism Seal of God (cf. Rev. 7:3) Passover Lord’s Supper Marriage Supper Sabbath Lord’s Day Day of the Lord The meaning of the sacraments is tied to Covenant Continuity

Covenant Theology: One People of God – Jn. 15:1-11 Ingrafted Gentiles Covenant Theology: One People of God – Jn. 15:1-11

Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. … for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. (Gal. 3:16, 26, 29, ESV) We are Abraham’s seed

For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, … (Rom. 4:13-16, ESV) We are Abraham’s seed

The meaning of the sacraments is tied to Covenant Continuity Circumcision Baptism Passover Lord’s Supper  The meaning of the sacraments is tied to Covenant Continuity

WSC #94 Q. What is baptism? Baptism is a sacrament, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, doth signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord’s. (the work of the HS): Water baptism represents the initiation of a person into God’s covenant.

Water Baptism signifies God’s uniting us to Himself, Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Mt. 28:19 ESV) & God’s cleansing us from sin in Christ. Baptism … not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (1 Pet. 3:19) Water baptism represents the initiation of a person into God’s covenant.

Water baptism signifies and seals God’s claim upon his people. God’s commitment to his people. And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (Acts 2:38-39, ESV) Water baptism represents the initiation of a person into God’s covenant.

The Purpose for the mark of the Covenant Circumcision Baptism Received upon belief in the God of Abraham. The outward sign representing the inward clean heart. The outward sign marking a person’s entrance into the community of the faithful. Given to the (male) child of believing parents as a sign of God’s claim. Received upon belief in the God of Abraham. The outward sign representing the inward clean heart. The outward sign marking a person’s entrance into the community of the faithful. Given to the child of believing parents as a sign of God’s claim. and The Purpose for the mark of the Covenant

Covenant Child Baptism – A matter of headship

Household baptisms in the NT Cornelius and his household were baptized (Acts 10) Lydia and her household baptized: One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, (Acts 16:14-15, ESV) Philippian jailer: Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household. … and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.” (Acts 16:30-34, ESV) Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, and his household were baptized (Acts 18) Paul baptized Stephanus’ household (1 Cor. 1:16) Household baptisms in the NT

The mode of baptism points to its true meaning. Old Testament water baptisms were always symbolic of cleansing and purification and were done by sprinkling or pouring but never by immersion. Lev. 11:29-44 (cf. Mk. 7:3-4); 13:44; 14:6-7; 15:11 Num. 8:7; 19:11-13 Ps. 51:7 Ezek. 36:25-27 The mode of baptism points to its true meaning.

The mode of baptism points to its true meaning.  Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” (Jn. 3:24-26, ESV) The mode of baptism points to its true meaning.

“Baptizo” is used in many contexts “baptize … with/in water” “baptism … of repentance” “baptize … with the Holy Spirit” John’s, Jesus’ disciples’, Paul’s Jesus’ – Mk. 10:38-39 “buried with/through him into death” (Rom. 6, Col. 2) “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Eph. 4) a “baptism [that] now saves you” (1 Pet. 3:21) baptism in the name of Jesus baptism in the name of the tri-une God baptized into Moses, into one body even “baptized for the dead” “Baptizo” is used in many contexts

No suggestion of immersion in the baptisms of the NT Peter entered the house of Cornelius and said: “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (Acts 10:47, ESV) And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ (Acts 22:16, ESV) No suggestion of immersion in the baptisms of the NT

#1: Does Romans 6 teach another meaning for water baptism? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. #1: Does Romans 6 teach another meaning for water baptism?

#1: Does Romans 6 teach another meaning for water baptism? No mention of water. Water baptism CANNOT produce the results described in this text, unless we affirm baptismal regeneration. This would have been a brand-new concept for Paul but this is not a passage given to such teaching. #1: Does Romans 6 teach another meaning for water baptism?

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. If this is about water baptism, then: Water baptism unites us to Christ. Water baptism crucifies us with Christ. Water baptism raises us in newness of life with Christ. Water baptism assures us of our future glorification (Being resurrected with Christ). Water baptism cannot do these things. Romans 6 is about the baptism of the Spirit!

#2: Does Romans 6 teach another mode for water baptism? How does immersion picture crucifixion? How does immersion picture the burial of Christ? He was not lowered into 6 ft. of earth but was placed in a cave. Why does Paul skip the parallel of raising us up with Christ in resurrection but go on to connect Christ’ resurrection with our walking in newness of life? #2: Does Romans 6 teach another mode for water baptism?

How does the New Testament depict being baptized with the Holy Spirit? And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:2-4, ESV) How does the New Testament depict being baptized with the Holy Spirit?

Homework: Confessing Christ, Chapter 6 Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapters 27-29 Homework:

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