Belgic Confession, Article 34: The Sacrament of Baptism
This article from the Belgic Confession presents the Reformed understanding of baptism as a sacrament that replaces Old Testament circumcision and signifies the cleansing work of Christ's blood applied by the Holy Spirit. It explains how baptism functions as both a visible sign administered by ministers and an invisible grace worked by God, emphasizing its role in covenant membership and assurance of God's fatherly goodness. The passage articulates the distinction between the external sacramental act and the internal spiritual reality it represents.
Article 34: The Sacrament of Baptism We believe and confess that Jesus Christ, in whom the law is fulfilled, has by his shed blood put an end to every other shedding of blood,which anyone might do or wish to do in order to atone or satisfy for sins.Having abolished circumcision, which was done with blood, Christ established in its place the sacrament of baptism.By it we are received into God’s churchand set apart from all other people and alien religions,that we may wholly belong to himwhose...