Today we are conducting baptisms in two forms, both credo and paedo. The fact that we do this might lead some to think that we have baptism in two kinds—but this is not the case at all. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism (Eph. 4:5).
Many believe that baptism is a signpost or an arrow that points toward the inner condition of the one being baptized. And this is a cause of confusion. How can we know the inner condition of a baby or young child? And when it comes right down to it, how can we genuinely know anyone’s true inner state?
We believe that all true baptisms always, of necessity, point toward one true Christ. Baptism embodies His death, His burial and His resurrection. That is why we can say that there is one baptism.
So what does it have to do with the one being baptized? Does it have nothing to do with his inner state? Yes, it most certainly does. What baptism does is create a covenantal obligation for the one being baptized. They are now obligated, in the most solemn way possible, to have their lives, inner and outer, point in the same direction as their baptism. All must point to Christ.
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