The Fruits of Holy Baptism (2)

The washing away of sins

We saw last time the precious first fruits of self-abasement, humility, and the seeking of our salvation outside of ourselves. These can be obtained by means of a proper insight into the sacrament of Holy Baptism. We now wish to see what other fruits may be obtained by means of this godly ordinance.

We read in the Form for the Administration of Holy Baptism that: “Holy Baptism witnesseth and sealeth unto us the washing away of our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ.” Baptism preaches unto all of us that the purification of our impure souls is possible. What is impossible to be accomplished by means of our virtues, duties, our tears or penitence, is still possible. What a rich preaching that is—there is a means available for the washing away of all of our sins.

In the first place, there is a visible preaching for all those who are baptized at every administration of the sacrament of baptism. No matter who you are, or what you have committed, the blood of reconciliation is, as it were, shown to every sinner. This, and this alone, is the means for the cleansing of your impure soul. No one who has been baptized or who has ever attended a baptismal service can excuse himself or herself. Reconciliation is proclaimed in all of its riches, not only in words but also with a visible token. This blood is of inestimable power and value, sufficient for the atonement of the sins of the entire world (Canons of Dort, Head II, Article 3).

Impure children

In the second place, baptism is a preaching for parents who have brought forth impure children. Do you see the impurity in your children? Does the impurity in their lives become visible? Do you perhaps even see your children outwardly indulging in sin? Do you see your children involved in a world full of temptations and a church full of world conformity? Do you despair of the salvation of your children? There is, indeed, reason for great concern. Perhaps it is of great sorrow to you. Yet, their baptism points to the washing away of their sins through Christ Jesus. Is the Triune God, in whose name your children were baptized, not able to make place also in their lives for that atoning blood?

In the third place, it is a preaching for the dejected of heart, who wrestle with the impurity of their souls, who must loathe themselves. How can I ever be delivered from this guilt? God’s justice must be satisfied, but it seems impossible. Well, in the first place, look at the water in baptism. It preaches unto you the means of atonement, just for you as you are. It is for someone who has tried all of the means and who has come to an end with them. There is nothing which can save you from your sin and wickedness. Yet, there is something. The blood points to the way. Are you not able to believe it when it is preached unto you? Believe when it is made visible for you. Think of your own baptism in which the Lord Himself sprinkled that token upon your own forehead. It is also possible even for you.

Pollution and filthiness

In the fourth place, baptism is a preaching for God’s children, those for whom Christ has not remained unknown. Did sin again gain the upper hand? Must you empathize with the pollution and filthiness that still remains in you? Is the blood of your Mediator still so hidden for you? Does not the preaching comfort you? Is your unbelief and sinfulness so great? Look then with your eyes. “We believe that our gracious God, on account of our weakness and infirmities hath ordained the sacraments for us, thereby to seal unto us His promises, and to be pledges of the good will and grace of God toward us (…) which He hath joined to the Word of the gospel, the better to present to our senses both that which He signifies to us by His Word, and that which He works inwardly in our hearts, thereby assuring and confirming in us the salvation which He imparts to us” (Confession of Faith, Article 33).

(To be continued)

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