The Lord’s Table holds a mystical quality among the sacraments. The action is unique in that it represents not only participation and initiation into the body of Christ. Baptism also affords believers participation in the life of Christ, for the redeemed buries the old way of life and enters the new. In such a manner, Baptism involves sharing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Baptism’s Biblical and historical foundations are replete and necessary to understand a fitting employment of the sacrament. Similar to the Lord’s Table, Baptism should be employed publicly, as it represents to the people of God one’s election. Though performed as an individual, Baptism also indicates incorporation into a communal body—the church. Thus, the sacrament of Baptism should be executed before the entirety of the local church.

This chapter explores the Biblical, theological, and historical foundations of Baptism as well as presents implications of one who chooses to follow Christ in obedience through the sacrament. Moreover, an examination of the means and mode will be offered for clarification on what is Biblical and right. Although this book is presented from a (certainly) reformed viewpoint, one must be mindful of the grace that is necessary between believers of varying traditions. Therefore, the possibility of other interpretations surely subsists among the people of God, and charity should be shown between all people of the Christian faith.