Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 28 — Of Baptism

 

Westminster Confession of Faith

Chapter 28 — Of Baptism

1. The Meaning of Baptism: Sign and Reality

Baptism is described as a sacrament of the New Testament, ordained by Christ, with a rich cluster of meanings. It signifies and seals:

• Ingrafting into Christ

• Remission of sins

• Regeneration by the Spirit

• Adoption and covenant inclusion

• Obligation to walk in newness of life

Here the Confession is careful and precise:
Baptism does not regenerate automatically, nor is grace inseparably tied to the moment of administration. Yet neither is baptism an empty symbol. It is a true means of grace, because God has freely attached His promises to it.

The water is the sign; union with Christ and cleansing from sin are the things signified. The efficacy of baptism depends not on the water, nor on the minister, but on God’s appointment and the Spirit’s work, received by faith.

2. Who May Be Baptized

Baptism is to be administered:

• Once only, as the sign of covenant entrance

• To those who profess faith in Christ

• And to the infants of one or both believing parents

Infant baptism rests on covenant theology rather than presumed regeneration. The child receives the sign of the promise, not a guarantee of salvation. Baptism places the child within the visible church and under its nurture, discipline, and prayers—anticipating faith rather than replacing it.

Thus, baptism looks forward as well as backward: it binds God’s promise to the individual and binds the individual (or the child’s household) to a life of faith and repentance.

3. Mode and Minister

The Confession affirms that baptism is rightly administered by pouring or sprinkling with water, emphasizing meaning over method. Immersion is not denied, but it is not required.

Consistent with Chapter 27, baptism is to be administered only by a lawfully ordained minister of the Word, because it is a public covenant act of Christ toward His church—not a private devotional rite.