gen-discern-and-explain-with-scripture-where-relevant-1689-lbcf-b8ca

Discern and explain, with Scripture where relevant: 1689 LBCF ch. 28

# 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith - Chapter 28 ## The Baptism of the Faithful Chapter 28 addresses **baptism** from the particular Baptist perspective. Here's a breakdown: ## Main Points: ### 1. **Baptism is a New Testament Ordinance** (28.1) The confession affirms baptism as instituted by Jesus Christ, to be observed until the end of the world as a sign of the person's fellowship with Christ in His death and resurrection. **Scripture references:** - Matthew 28:19-20 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them..." - Romans 6:3-5 - "baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death...buried with him through baptism" ### 2. **The Proper Subject: Believers Only** (28.1-2) Only those who actually profess repentance toward God, faith in and obedience to Jesus Christ should be baptized. This **excludes infant baptism**. **Scripture references:** - Acts 2:38, 41 - "Repent and be baptized...those who received his word were baptized" - Acts 8:36-37 - Ethiopian eunuch: "If you believe with all your heart, you may" - Acts 18:8 - "many of the Corinthians hearing believed and were baptized" ### 3. **The Proper Mode: Immersion** (28.2) Baptism should be administered by **immersion** (dipping the whole person in water), not by sprinkling or pouring. **Scripture references:** - Matthew 3:16 - Jesus "went up immediately from the water" - John 3:23 - John baptized "because there was much water there" - Acts 8:38-39 - "they went down into the water...came up out of the water" - Romans 6:4 - "buried with him by baptism" - Colossians 2:12 - "buried with him in baptism" ### 4. **Not Absolutely Necessary for Salvation** (28.5) While commanded and not to be neglected, baptism is not so necessary that lack of it damns a person, nor does the baptismal act itself save anyone. **Scripture references:** - Luke 23:42-43 - The thief on the cross was saved without baptism - Romans 4:11 - Circumcision (and by analogy baptism) is a "sign and seal" not the reality itself - 1 Corinthians 1:17 - "Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel" ### 5. **Efficacy Not Tied to the Moment of Administration** (28.3) Grace and salvation are not inseparably tied to the act itself, nor does baptism confer grace by the mere outward administration. **Scripture references:** - Acts 8:13, 21-23 - Simon believed and was baptized, but his heart wasn't right - 1 Peter 3:21 - "not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience" ### 6. **Administered Only Once** (28.4) Baptism should only be administered once to each person. **Scripture references:** - Ephesians 4:5 - "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" ## Key Distinctives: This chapter represents the **primary difference** between Presbyterians (who hold the 1647 Westminster Confession) and Particular Baptists: - **Subjects**: Believers only vs. believers and their children - **Mode**: Immersion only vs. sprinkling/pouring acceptable - **Meaning**: Sign following faith vs. sign of covenant inclusion ## Theological Rationale: The Baptist position flows from their **covenant theology** which sees: 1. The New Covenant as made only with believers (Jeremiah 31:31-34) 2. The church as a gathered community of regenerate believers 3. Baptism as picturing union with Christ (which only believers experience) This confession carefully guards both the importance of baptism as Christ's command AND the sufficiency of Christ's work alone for salvation.