Questions from Our Readers

The importance as well as the prevalence of the matter raised is confirmed by the fact that last year our brother in the ministry in Holland, Rev. B. Labee, also addressed this self-same matter in De Saambinder, the official publication of our sister denomination. I realize the dilemma: based on this very phrase in the closing prayer of the Form, are now all baptized children indeed saved? Perhaps a better question to ask would be: Does the Form indeed state that the sins of every baptized child are forgiven? I would like to formulate my answer with a yes and a no. To approach it this way is not meant to add to but hopefully to remove the confusion.

First, we answer yes when we consider and realize that Holy Baptism—also infant baptism—is a sacrament instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ for the strengthening of faith. As such, the sacrament of Holy Baptism is not less in essence than the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. This is often forgotten. Essentially, the sacraments are the same in the sense that both are sacraments, both are instituted for the strengthening of faith. They are distinct in that they signify and seal different benefits of the Covenant of Grace. However, when the sacraments are administered, in each case, also the essence of the sacrament is administered. This means that a particular benefit of the Covenant of Grace is not only visibly displayed but also has a real meaning for God’s child if embraced by a God-given and Spirit-wrought faith. Then, indeed, the essence of the forgiveness of sins is signified and sealed in the sacrament, as signified in Baptism.

It is to this benefit that the Form points both in prayer as well as in thanksgiving. This not only refers to God’s adult children but even extends to children. Remember that the phrase in question says, “us and our children.” What is prayed for is also given thanks for; God’s promises are yea and amen in Christ Jesus. This counts for adults as well as for children. We know that the gospel has a twofold administration—outward and inward. The message of the gospel comes to all those who hear it, but are all hearers saved? Alas, this is not the case. It is true only where the essence of the gospel is wrought savingly in the heart. Thus, it is in Holy Baptism also. The essence is administered because it is a sacrament. However, just as the gospel message is not indiscriminately embraced and believed, so are the things signified in Baptism not indiscriminately embraced and believed by all who are baptized (including children). Only those who are incorporated by the Holy Spirit in the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ fall under the blessed essence of the administration of Holy Baptism.

Secondly, we answer no, knowing that not all who are baptized are saved, for it is clear that those who remain in their unconverted state are indeed under the administration of the gospel, but because of unbelief and hardness of their heart they reject the blood of the Covenant whereby they were sanctified. The whole point is this: what happens under the administration of the gospel also happens under the administration of Holy Baptism, and the Form for Baptism only seeks to reflect this very truth. Remember that Moses sprinkled blood on the whole congregation (Exodus 24:8). This is a very serious matter and the very despising of this blood constitutes the guilt of an unconverted person. In the sacrament of Baptism, it is God’s child who may thank the Lord for the blessing of the forgiveness of sins. Whether, indeed, this is also done by them depends on their measure of faith and inasmuch as that benefit is embraced with a believing heart.

The key to the right understanding of this question, then, is that the Form is written from the essence of what is signified and sealed in the sacrament. I realize that possibly the explanation above needs to be re-read and thought through again. Perhaps the biblical example of what Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 10 may serve as the best biblical illustration of what the Form refers to. Paul states there that all Israel was under the cloud and all passed through the sea and all were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual meat and all drank the same spiritual drink (mark the repeated word all). In a certain sense you could compare this list to the privileges of Holy Baptism…and Paul states unequivocally that the Rock that followed them was Christ. “But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.” Pray that the God of your baptism will graciously fulfill what is promised, signified, and sealed in this sacrament. p

Please send your questions to Rev. H. Hofman, 112 Pratt Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, or hofman@premieronline.net.

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