The Fruits of Holy Baptism (3)

The Establishment of the Covenant

Again, we wish to consider one of the fruits of Holy Baptism. It is ultimately a godly institution. God’s institutions are fruitful branches on the spiritual apple tree which is Christ. Abundant fruits can be found on every branch. Those fruits are sweet for the palate of a living soul.

The Lord Jesus has commanded His disciples and, therefore, all His servants to baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Each of the three godly persons witnesseth and sealeth His own personal work to those that are His in Baptism. Let us again read from the Baptismal Form: “For when we are baptized in the name of the Father, God the Father witnesseth and sealeth unto us that He doth make an eternal covenant of grace with us.”

To establish a covenant is only possible when there are two or more parties present. God the Father established a covenant with Adam. That covenant, however, was broken and could nevermore be restored. The covenant which is spoken of here is the Covenant of Grace which is an eternal covenant. It comes therefore from eternity and lasts to all eternity. It was established before you and I were present, even before the Creation. It was established with Christ. In the negotiation in God’s Council of Peace this covenant is established. The condition is the satisfaction of sin by the Mediator, which was Christ. The promises of the covenant are the forgiveness of the sins of the elect and their adoption as children.

Precious possessions

This covenant is established with the elect in their lifetime when they are personally engrafted into Christ. Christ is the Head of the covenant and they are the members. Therefore, they have a portion in this covenant and all the precious possessions of it. They are the heirs of all that their Head, namely Christ, has obtained for them.

No, not all who are baptized are essentially in the covenant. For God’s children, however, the water in baptism is a seal and pledge of their “being in” this covenant. David calls this “an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure” (2 Samuel 23:5b). It is well-ordered, which is to say, it is perfectly established. For sinners it is superbly precious because in this covenant everything comes from one side, that is God’s side. It is impossible for anything to be added by them. It is completely for their benefit and their salvation.

It is also well-kept, that means, it is in good hands. They do not have to maintain it. It lies secure in their Surety, the Head of the covenant.

The waters of Noah

People of the Lord, have you ever been able to have some insight into this wonderful Covenant of Grace? Have you ever been able to believe that you are comprehended in it? Are you unable to hold on to it? Are there doubts and fears? Look, then, once more upon the water in baptism. Think back to your own baptism, that indelible token which was placed on your forehead. Just consider that God the Father was willing to establish this covenant with you and that it, even despite your greatest unfaithfulness, can never be undone. There you may find your comfort. God the Father testifies, “For this is as the waters of Noah unto Me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.”

(To be continued)

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