1689 Confession, ch. 29, Baptism, Para. 3&4, Its Outward Elements

1689 CONFESSION, CH. 29, “OF BAPTISM,” PARA. 3 & 4: ITS OUTWARD ELEMENTS. I. ITS SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE (para. 1). II. ITS PROPER SUBJECTS (para. 2). III. ITS OUTWARD ELEMENTS (para. 3 & 4). Summary: The mode of water baptism by immersion is distinctly “baptist.” By better understanding the symbolism of baptism, as well as the examples in scripture, (and the word for baptism itself,) we can grasp more and more fully the powerful imagery of baptism as it relates to our union with Christ as mediator. We share in His death, burial, and resurrection, and we are washed white as snow in His blood, and we see these things in the baptism of believers only, by immersion. A. With the use of water (para. 3a) B. In the name of the trinity (para. 3b) C. By the immersion of the person (para. 4). “Immersion” = baptizo. 1. Its literal use in secular Greek. 2. Its figurative use in secular Greek. 3. Its literal use in the Septuagint. 4. Its figurative use in the Septuagint. 5. Its literal use in the New Testament. 6. Its figurative use in the New Testament is consistent with the idea of immersion.