Q94. What is baptism?
Baptism is a sacrament in which washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is a sign and seal that we belong to Christ, share in the blessings of the covenant of grace, and promise to be the Lord’s.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Matthew 28:19
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
Romans 6:4
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Galatians 3:27
“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What is baptism a sign and seal of?
- 2
What does it mean to "belong to Christ" and "share in the blessings of the covenant of grace"?
- 3
If you have been baptized, what does your baptism remind you of?
Illustration
When a family adopts a child, they sign legal papers. Those papers do not make the parents love the child. The love was already there. But the papers are a visible, official sign that this child belongs to this family. Baptism is God’s visible sign that you belong to him and to his people.
Application
Because baptism marks you as belonging to God’s family, ask a parent to tell you about your baptism. If you have not been baptized, ask your parent or pastor what baptism means and who should receive it. Thank God that he uses a sign you can see to confirm his promises.