--- title: "Chapter 28: Of Baptism | RP Testimony" description: "Chapter 28 of the RP Testimony: Of Baptism. Read the 2026 RPCNA Constitution text, Scripture proofs, and the corresponding Westminster Confession chapter." canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-28-baptism/" source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=102" --- # Chapter 28: Of Baptism | RP Testimony 1. All those who have received baptism are to be considered part of the covenant people of God. Gen. 17:12-14; Col. 2:11-12; Acts 16: 31-34. 2. The church accepts as valid the baptism which has been administered in any true branch of the visible church. 3. We reject the teaching that an essential feature of baptism is immersion. 1 Cor. 10:2; Heb. 6:2; Heb. 9:10; Luke 11:38. 4. The children of believing parents are to receive baptism because of their covenantal relationship. Acts 2:38-39; Gen. 17:7; Acts 16:31; Col. 2:11-12. 5. In administering baptism to her children the church recognizes their rightful place within the covenant, and her obligation to give them pastoral care and oversight, and to assist the parents in carrying out their covenanted responsibilities. In presenting them for baptism, parents not only claim for their children the nurture and benefits of the Church, but dedicate them to God in the service of Christ. 6. The baptism of infants sets before parents the obligation to do all in their power to lead their children to a personal faith in Jesus Christ. Gen. 18:19; Matt. 28:19-20; Prov. 22:6. 7. Baptism is not to be administered to the infants of persons who, though members of the church, have so neglected the means of grace as to cast doubt on their profession, or their intention to fulfill the baptismal vows. Ps. 76:11. 8. We reject the teaching that a person cannot be saved without baptism; or that persons are regenerated by baptism. Luke 23:39-43; Acts 8:13, 18-23; Acts 10:47. ## For kids — a study explanation (ages 10–13) These explanations are separate from the official text above. Words to knowBaptismThe sacrament using water in the triune name to mark entry into the visible church and point to Christ’s cleansing and covenant grace.ImmersionDipping a person completely under water.CovenantA relationship God establishes with promises and responsibilities.RejectsSays that a teaching is wrong and must not be accepted. ### Testimony 28.1 Those who are baptized belong to God’s covenant people. This describes covenant membership, rather than claiming that baptism automatically saves them. [Read original point 1 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-28-baptism/#point-1) ### Testimony 28.2 The church recognizes valid baptism administered in any true branch of Christ’s visible church. [Read original point 2 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-28-baptism/#point-2) ### Testimony 28.3 The Testimony rejects requiring immersion as the only valid way to baptize. [Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-28-baptism/#point-3) ### Testimony 28.4 Children of believing parents should be baptized because they belong within the covenant relationship. [Read original point 4 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-28-baptism/#point-4) ### Testimony 28.5 Baptizing children recognizes their place in the covenant and the church’s duty to care for them. Parents dedicate them to Christ and claim the church’s help in raising them. [Read original point 5 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-28-baptism/#point-5) ### Testimony 28.6 Infant baptism places a responsibility on parents to lead their children toward personal faith in Christ. [Read original point 6 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-28-baptism/#point-6) ### Testimony 28.7 Being a church member does not automatically give parents the right to have a baby baptized. If parents seriously neglect church life, the elders may question whether they believe and intend to keep their baptism promises. [Read original point 7 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-28-baptism/#point-7) ### Testimony 28.8 The Testimony rejects both the claim that no one can be saved without baptism and the claim that baptism itself gives new spiritual life. [Read original point 8 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-28-baptism/#point-8) ### Talk about it What responsibilities come with belonging to God’s covenant people? ### Discuss and remember Read the chapter together, then choose a question to talk about. - What does baptism show us about belonging to God’s covenant people? - Why does receiving baptism not remove our need for personal faith in Christ? #### Scripture to remember Acts 2:39 [Read the memory passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=Acts%202%3A39) Read the passage in context. Explain it in your own words, then practice one short phrase at a time. Review it together during the week. #### Put it into practice Talk about how your family and church help children learn to trust Jesus. [Find help for family worship](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/) Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=102) ## Related reading - [Baptism and the children of believers](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/baptism/) - [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 27: Of the Sacraments](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-27-sacraments/) - [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 91: How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-91-how-do-the-sacraments-become-effectual-means-of-salvation/) - [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 161: How do the Sacraments become effectual means of salvation?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-161-how-do-the-sacraments-become-effectual-means-of-salvation/) - [Westminster Confession · Chapter 28](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-28-baptism/) - [Chapter 27](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-27-sacraments/) - [Chapter 29](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-29-lords-supper/) Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-28-baptism/