Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1993

174 1993 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THECHAPTER 3THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS1. The sacraments of the church under the New Covenant are Baptismand the Lord's Supper. These are to be administered according to Christ'sappointment, and only by teaching elders of the church or by othersauthorized by the church to meet exdaordinary circumstances. They arenormally to be administered in the regular place of worship and inconnection with a service of worship.BAPTISM2. Since baptism symboUzes entrance into Christ and His people, aperson is to be baptized only once. Its symbol is water, which, having beenset apart by prayer for sacramental use, may be applied by sprinkling,pouring or immersion.3. Baptism is to be administered to those who make a credibleprofession of their faith in Christ, and to their children. The Sacramentshould be preceded by an explanation of its meaning and purpose. It isappropriate that anangements be made so that covenant children who arepresent can see the sacrament. Those who are to be baptized should comeforward and stand during the administration of the Sacrament. Adults whoare to be baptized shall assent to the Covenant of Church Membership.4. Parents who present their children for baptism renew the Covenantof Church Membership and assent to the Covenant of Baptism in relationto their child. A believing parent who is not a member of the ReformedPresbyterian Church may come forward with the other and give assent tothis Covenant so far as he/she is willing. An unbeUeving parent should beencouraged to be present and to accompany the beUeving parent inpresenting the child, but unbelievers should not be encouraged to giveassent to this Covenant. If this Covenant has been reviewed recently in thecongregation, parents may give assent by answering the following question:"Do you publicly renew your profession of faith in Christ and acknowledgeyour acceptance of the Covenant of Church Membership?"The parents shall take the Covenant of Baptism in relation to their chUd:1) Do you believe this child is a possession of God entmsted to yourcare?2) In this light, do you promise to provide for his/her temporal wellbeing,to teach him/her to love God and His Word, the Bible, and to providehim/her with a God-centered education?3) Do you promise to teach him/her of his/her sinful nature, of the planof salvation which centers in Jesus Christ, and his/her own personal needof a relationship with Christ?