Baptism is an objective sign of proclamation; an open declaration of God's promised signed, sealed and delivered. For baptism assures us that we belong to God's people to whom, corporately, the promises are declared. However there are also curses for those who reject those promises. So truly not every baptized individual experiences what baptism signifies. For the promise must be received by faith.
Thus if we distinguish between the sign and the thing signified we avoid the pitfalls of subjective experience guiding our assurance and objective statements individually appropriated without faith and true repentance.
Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 66
Quote:
Q66: What are the sacraments?
A66: The sacraments are visible, holy signs and seals appointed by God for this end, that by their use He may the more fully declare and seal to us the promise of the Gospel, namely, that of free grace He grants us the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life for the sake of the one sacrifice of Christ accomplished on the cross.
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