After dealing with the means of grace, we now start to deal with the sacraments that are for the confirmation of our faith. They can NEVER stand alone, but ALWAYS stand WITH the preaching of the Gospel (the primary means of faith.) We are a covenantal people and we believe in the covenant that God has made with us and our children.

Why this sacrament? First, this sacrament was used by God to symbolize what is preached in the Gospel. It was instituted by God Himself! Secondly, God commanded to baptize in the Word as we find in Matthew 28:19. Note here, that we are dealing with a sign of God's covenant that He made with Abraham and his children. We also read of households being baptized in this regard. They implemented the Word in their homes. Thirdly, Jesus put His approval on baptism and was baptized Himself (circumcised.) He required of John at the river to be baptized. (Symbolizing the remission of sins in our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ was baptized in Himself!) Fourthly, baptism took the place of circumcision. A token whereby He shows to us the washing away of our sins and the renewing of the Spirit! This sacrament was instituted!

We are then partakers in Christ. Washed in the blood of the lamb and made new and holy! It is a SIGN and SEAL of that tremendous accomplishment! It speaks to faith! Apart from faith that sacrament means absolutely nothing! It is a sacrament of incorporation into the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. And our children are members of the Church the moment they are born, NOT when they are baptized. That is why we support our Christian schools and are a part in this regard! We and our children are engrafted into Him and are justified! We have a continual feeding and nourishment of this in the sacrament! It IS the VISUAL sign and seal of what GOD DOES (and has done) INVISIBLY!

Baptism is NOT something we just do or is something superstitious. Faith takes hold of us and demands baptism in the boldness of faith whereby we ask our questions as we believe in the covenant among them and their children. It calls us to FAITH! Guides us! It speaks to us!