Many refer to baptism as “an outward sign of an inward profession of faith.” While professing believers and their children certainly receive baptism as a mark of discipleship (Matt. 28:18–20; 1 Cor. 7:14) in obedience to Jesus, the covenant sign is not first and foremost pointing to something we have done. Rather, it is the sign that points to what God has promised to do in Christ by the Spirit. Coming to a settled understanding of this is vital if we are to understand how baptism functions as a means of grace.

A Christian family once approached the late Dr. John Gerstner and asked him to baptize their newborn child. As the time approached for the ceremony, the mother of the child asked if they could hold off until she could get the baby a white gown for the service. Gerstner asked the mother what the significance of the white gown was. The mother replied, “To symbolize the baby’s innocence.” Gerstner replied, “If the baby is innocent, then why are we baptizing him?” This anecdote captures something of the widespread confusion about the nature of baptism.

Many view baptism as a mere religious and ceremonial formality. Others invest far too much efficacy to the outward act of baptism, suggesting that it imparts saving grace to every recipient. The truth is that baptism is both a simple act and a complex act. It is simple in that it is a ceremonial washing in the name of the triune God, instituted by the Lord Jesus to be a mark of discipleship. It is complex regarding the precise meaning of its nature, its subjects, and its efficacy. To come to a right understanding of how baptism works in the lives of God’s people, we first need to consider the nature of the act of baptism.

Baptism, like its old covenant counterpart, circumcision, is a sign and seal of the covenant of grace (Rom. 4:11), pointing to the promise of the credited righteousness of God by faith in Christ. It is a sign insomuch as it points beyond itself to the promised regeneration of the Holy Spirit and cleansing by the blood of Christ. It is a seal by which God affirms the truth of this promise to professing believers and their children. Christian baptism is a divinely appointed sign and seal of God’s covenant promises. This, in turn, makes baptism a means of grace.

When considering baptism as a means of grace, we must first recognize it to be a divine act. The triune God applies this sign and seal to His people in the new covenant. Many erroneously view baptism, first and foremost, as a sign of something they have done (i.e., a sign of the act of their own profession of personal faith in Christ).

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