05-05-2008, 11:26 AM
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I don't think baptists, generally, operate on the basis of the same ecclesiology. They do not think of water baptism as joining them to anything, but as a personal witness. They view "the church" almost entirely under the aspect of the "spiritual" and invisible, even going so far as sometimes to say that the church on earth is really just a society of professors.
| Generally, you're right. To use your term, most Baptists view baptism as a "personal witness", although here is what the 1689 LBC says regarding baptism: Quote: | Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, to be unto the party baptized, a sign of his fellowship with him, in his death and resurrection; of his being engrafted into him; of remission of sins; and of giving up into God, through Jesus Christ, to live and walk in newness of life. |
It seems to me the language of the LBC transcends the "personal witness" view that most modern, non-Reformed Baptists, hold to. Water baptism is a sign of our bond with Christ (and therefore, the body of Christ; the church). A Presbyterian would view water baptism as entrance into the visible church. A Baptist can appreciate this view for we require water baptism as a requirement of church membership. But we would view baptism, not as a sign of visible church membership, but of invisible church membership based on a credible profession of faith. It is the perponderence of non-Reformed Baptist churches that view water baptism simply as a "personal witness." I hope I've proven that the LBC teaches differently.
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