Dimensions of Baptism Biblical and Theological Studies

340 Dimensions of Baptism

These early Baptists saw themselves as continuing this radical reforma-

tion trajectory which defined the Church as a fellowship of believers.

Baptism, as the baptism of believers, became a natural development from

this belief that the Church was a society of those who were evident believ-

ers in Christ and a visible manifestation of his kingdom. Thus, the proto-

General Baptist Thomas Helwys, wrote in 1611, in his A Declaration of

Faith of English People remaining at Amsterdam in Holland,

That the church of CHRIST is a company off faithful people 1 Cor. 1.2,

Eph. 1.1, separated fro the world by the word & Spirit of GOD. 2 Cor. 6.17,

being kint (sic) unto the LORD, & one unto another, by Baptisme. 1

Cor.12.13. Upon their owne confessio of the faith. Act. 8.37 and sinnes.

Mat. 3.6.^20

The Particular Baptist confession of 1644, quoting the separatist True

Confession of 1596, saw this company as a people who were dedicated to

the service of Christ, 'to be inrolled amongst his household servants, to be

under his heavenly conduct and government, to lead their lives in his

walled sheep-fold'.^21

The view of the Church expressed in the Second London Confession of

1677 acknowledged that any human institution would contain a mixture of

people in varying spiritual states, but was firm in upholding what its

authors believed were clear principles concerning who was to be regarded

as a member of the elect and who therefore was eligible to be a member of

that human society which comprised the visible Church:

All persons throughout the world, professing the faith of the Gospel, and

obedience unto God by Christ, according unto it; not destroying their own

profession by any Errors everting the foundation, or unholyness of

conversation are and may be called visible Saints; and of such ought all

particular Congregations to be constituted.

The Members of these Churches are Saints by calling, visibly manifesting

and evidencing (in and by their profession and walking) their obedience unto

that call of Christ; and do willingly consent to walk together according to the

appointment of Christ, giving up themselves, to the Lord & one to another by

the will of God, in professed subjection to the Ordinances of the Gospel.^22

20. William L. Lumpkin (ed.), Baptist Confessions of Faith (Valley Forge, PA:
    Judson Press, rev. edn, 1969), p. 119.


21. London Confession, 1644, XXXIV, in Lumpkin (ed.), Baptist Confessions of
    Faith, p. 166.


22. Second London Confession, XXVI, in Lumpkin (ed.), Baptist Confessions of
    Faith, pp. 285-86.