Thesis I: The new offer.
Thesis II: The term for the new offer, the Gospel so called κατ᾽ ἐξοχὴν, par excellence.
Explanation: 1. In which books the Gospel is contained. 2. In the new offer all things are clearer than in the old. 3. The agreement and differences between the old and new covenant. * 4. The covenant of grace is the same in the Old and New Testaments with respect to essentials.
Thesis III: The two Sacraments of the New Testament.
Explanation: 1. It is proven, that there are only two Sacraments of the New Testament. 2. The Sacraments of the New Testament are established as seven by the Papists, the foundations of which are overturned.
Thesis IV: Baptism is defined.
Thesis V: Things to be considered in Baptism.
Thesis VI: The efficient of Baptism is principal or instrumental.
Thesis VII: The principal efficient.
Explanation: 1. The word of commandment and promise in Baptism. 2. Christ instituted Baptism in His own, the Father’s, and the Holy Spirit’s name.
Thesis VIII: The instrumental cause.
Explanation: 1. John administered the first Baptism. It is proven that the Baptism of John was of the same efficacy as that of the other Apostles. 2. The contrary arguments of the Papists are answered. 3. It is proven that it is not permitted to laymen and women to baptize. 4. The contrary arguments of the Lutherans and Papists are refuted.
Thesis IX: The matter of Baptism from which and concerning which.
Thesis X: The matter of Baptism from which.
Explanation: 1. The signification of the sacramental symbols. 2. The calumnies of Eckhard are enervated.
Thesis XI: The matter concerning which.
Explanation: 1. It is proven, that those that are strangers to the covenant of God are not to be baptized. 2. It is proven, that the infants of Christians are to be baptized. 3. The contrary arguments of the Anabaptists are refuted. 4. The reason why Baptism is to be conferred only once upon the same man.
Thesis XII: The internal form.
Explanation: 1. The sealing and exhibition of the thing signified in Baptism. 2. The rites employed of old in the Baptism of adults. The abuse of those in the Baptism of infants is reprehended.
Thesis XIII: The end of Baptism is principal or less principal.
Thesis XIV: The principal end.
Explanation: 1. This end is proven from Scripture. 2. It is proven, that Baptism is not an instrument whereby faith and regeneration are begun in all infants. 3. The contrary arguments of the Lutherans are refuted.
Thesis XV: The less principal end.
Explanation: The proof.
Thesis XVI: The necessity of Baptism.
Explanation: 1. It is proven, that Baptism is not absolutely necessary for salvation. 2. The contrary arguments of the Papists are refuted. * 3. It is proven, that pædo-baptism is necessary with respect to precept. 4. It is proven, that Exorcism is not to be employed in Baptism. 5. The arguments of the Lutherans and Papists for exorcism are refuted. 6. The time of the reception of Baptism.
Westminster Confession of Faith 7:5. This covenant was differently administered in the time of the law, and in the time of the gospel;1 under the law it was administered by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the paschal lamb, and other types and ordinances delivered to the people of the Jews, all foresignifying Christ to come,2 which were for that time sufficient and efficacious, through the operation of the Spirit, to instruct and build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah,3 by whom they had full remission of sins, and eternal salvation; and is called the Old Testament.4
1 2 Cor. 3:6,7,8,9.
2 Heb. 8,9 & 10; Rom. 4:11; Col. 2:11,12; 1 Cor. 5:7.
3 1 Cor. 10:1,2,3,4; Heb. 11:13; John 8:56.
4 Gal. 3:7,8,9,14.
6. Under the gospel, when…
An Introductory Theology Course!
www.fromreformationtoreformation.com/introductory-theology