What is the Sign and Seal?

This is the first part of our seven part series on baptism.  The purpose of the series is to give an overview of baptism so people who are curious about infant baptism will be exposed to arguments in favor of infant baptism.  This first video is a summary of a sign and seal.  Is baptism a sign and seal of our faith or the promises of God? 

(I apologize for the music. The music is turned way lower or completely off. I upgraded the mic for the camera so no need for background distraction.)

Here is a link to the “Introduction to Baptism” playlist.

Contradictory or Unified Signs? (Colossians 2:11,12)

The Apostle Paul mentions baptism and circumcision as two signs of Christ’s work. Does Paul mention circumcision first to show that there is something more basic or inferior to this sign tied strictly to the Old Testament? Does he mention baptism second to communicate we have really arrived in history? Is it possible that Paul sees these two signs as having similar implications, but looking to the coming of Christ from different viewpoints in history?

A Baptismal Flood (1 Peter 3:18-22)

Peter presents Noah’s flood as precedent that shows God’s deliverance and judgment. However, Peter also appeals to the flood story as a baptism. What does the flood teach us about baptism? How does this ultimately encourage us in our Christian walk? What does this teach us about covenant theology?

Merciful Washing (Titus 3:5)

Paul exhorts us through his letter to Titus reminding us that he saved us, washed us by regeneration, and renews us by the Holy Spirit.  This is a paraphrase, but it certainly sounds as if those who are baptized are those who necessarily have the Holy Spirit.  If this is a sign that affirms our possession of the Holy Spirit why would we apply this sign of baptism to infants when we cannot know if they have the Holy Spirit?

Baptism of Resurrection or Death? (Romans 6:3,4)

The apostle Paul tells us that we were baptized into Christ’s death.  This is strange language considering we associate the sacrament of baptism with regeneration or spiritual renewal.  Why would Paul speak of us being baptized into Christ’s death?  What can this teach us about the meaning of baptism?

Worship Elements: Pleasing to the Lord (Colossians 3:18-4:1)

The apostle Paul exhorts fathers, wives, and bondservants to live out their lives before the Lord’s face.  The Lord does not only exhort adults to life a life pleasing to the Lord, but Paul also exhorts children.  Why would Paul exhort children to obey their parents for that pleases the Lord?  Could there be implications in this exhortation for baptism?  

Worship Elements: You and Your Children (Acts 2:39)

Peter takes his stand in the midst of the skeptics in Jerusalem.  Peter makes the point that the Lord was sent to the cross by these wicked men who listen to Peter’s sermon.   What does baptism have to do with Christ’s mission and the reception of the Holy Spirit?  Does Baptism have any correlation to the Old Testament?  Why does Peter say that the promise is for you and your children?

Circumcision and Baptism (Col. 2:11,12)

One can see the force of the argument that circumcision is a fleshly covenant which is tied to the flesh while Baptism is a sign that communicates spiritual renewal and spiritual washing.  It is conceivable to think that maybe Paul is making a historic progression meaning that we move from circumcision, fleshly covenant, to baptism, a true spiritual realization, after Christ’s coming. So, why would people baptize infants if the Lord has changed the significance of the covenantal sign?

The Christian Household (Colossians 3:18-4:1)

The Apostle Paul exhorts children to obey their parents for this is pleasing to the Lord.  It is not a surprise to us that Paul would exhort children to obey their parents, but what does this imply about their status in the church?  Why is the context of their exhortation so significant? Why is it important that this exhortation seems to echo the Old Testament?  What could this imply about children being in covenant with the Lord?

What about Baptism?

This is the ripped audio from our membership class video.  I wanted to put this up on the web because many people who visit our church inquire about the doctrine of infant baptism.  I do not claim this lecture to be the definitive defense of the doctrine, but I see it as presenting some Biblical reasons for infant baptism.

A Holy Household (Ephesians 6:1-4)

The Apostle Paul exhorts children to obey their parents for this is pleasing to the Lord.  It is not a surprise to us that Paul would exhort children to obey their parents, but what does this imply about their status in the church?  Why is the context of their exhortation so significant? Why is it important that this exhortation seems to echo the Old Testament?  What could this imply about children being in covenant with the Lord?

Why One Baptism? (Ephesians 4:5 (LD 27; BC 34)

Our confession uses strong language that we are to be baptized once.  This means that we do not agree with other traditions that will baptize someone a second time because they do not see infant baptism as being a valid baptism.  Why do we believe in one baptism?  What is the bigger picture of this baptism?  How do we as Reformed people see baptism as something for children and adults?  Why are we not Roman Catholic even though we baptize infants?

Sign of Faith or Faithfulness? (Romans 4:11 (LD 27; BC Article 34)

Many times people will say that the sacraments are a sign of our faith.  We might not think that it is important to see that sacrament is a sign of God’s faithfulness verses the sign being a sign of my faith.  Ultimately we need to look discussion in light of the covenant of grace.  Did Abraham receive the sign because of his faith or because of the Lord’s faithfulness?  In other words does the sign point to Abraham’s faith or does it point to the promises of God and His faithfulness?  What does Paul say in Romans 4:11 regarding the sign that was given to Abraham?

Cut and Drowned in Christ (Colossians 2:11,12)

So often I hear that the sacrament of baptism is administered only after someone makes a profession of faith while circumcision is something that is applied to children in the Old Testament.  The reason that is given is that the Old Testament was a physical promise tied to a land while the New Testament is about the Spirit working in the lives of God’s people.  The appeal is by looking to the book of Acts where we see someone profess their faith and then they receive baptism.   If this case is so cut and dry then why is Christ circumcised and baptized?  How can these signs encourage a church that is flat scared of what will happen tomorrow?

Beyond a Land Promise (Genesis 17:1-27; Acts 2:29-41)

The Lord makes a promise to Abraham about bringing about His kingdom through the champion line.  This promise is tied to a land and also to circumcision.  Why would we desire to appeal to this passage for infant baptism?  What does Genesis 17 tell us about the covenant and the covenant sign?  What is Peter saying regarding the application of the covenant promises to us?

God's Holy Household (1 Corinthians 7:1-16)

So why do we baptize infants? Is this a sign of faith or is it the precedent that has been set in the Old Testament? As we consider Paul’s language we see that he is using the Old Testament language and applying it to the church. The logical conclusion is that as infants are part of God’s household of faith in the Old Testament so they are part of the household of faith in the New Testament.

Raising the Half Child (1 Corinthians 7:14; LD 27)

As the church is growing and existing it is just a matter of time before the church encounters a problem.  The problem is what do you do in a marriage where one spouse is a Christian and the other spouse is not a Christian?  How is the family to conduct itself? Are they to stay married and divide the house so one spouse lives on one floor and another spouse lives on the sinner’s floor?  What is more, how do the spouses view their children?

Circumcised and Baptized in Christ (Colossians 2:11,12; LD 26)

We continue to consider the themes of the catechism and the issue of baptism.  In many ways it is tempting to say that circumcision is associated with the Old Testament and baptism is associated with the New Testament.  This could mean that the application of these signs are radically different.  What can we see in Scripture that shows us that these signs might have more continuity than discontinuity?  Ultimately, what should these signs be communicating to us that can be missed in the context of our discussion on infant baptism?

Receiving the Seal of Righteousness (Genesis 17:11; Romans 4:11; LD 25)

Normally when we think about the sign of circumcision being instituted we think of Moses.  We are also quick to think of this sign as being something that is tied to the flesh with a land promise with very little Spiritual significance.  The sign of Baptism on the other hand we may think has great significance in terms of Spiritual blessings.  Is this fair?  Is this what Paul, Moses, and Abraham would have us take away from this sign?