Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

158 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THE3. Baptism is to be administered to those who make a credible professionof their faith in Christ, and to their children. The Sacrament should bepreceded by an explanation of its meaning and purpose. It is appropriate thatarrangements be made so that covenant children who are present can see thesacrament. Those who are to be baptized should come forward and standduring the administration of the Sacrament. Adults who are to be baptizedshall assent to the Covenant of Church Membership.4. Parents who present their children for baptism renew the Covenant ofChurch Membership and assent to the Covenant of Baptism in relation totheir child. A believing parent who is not a member of the ReformedPresbyterian Church may come forward with the other and give assent to thisCovenant so far as he/she is willing. An unbelieving parent should beencouraged to be present and to accompany the believing parent inpresenting the child, but unbelievers should not be encouraged to give assentto 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 Christand acknowledge your acceptance of the Covenant of ChurchMembership?"The parents shall take the Covenant of Baptism in relation to their child:I) Do you believe this child is a possession of Godentrusted to your care?2) In this light, do you promise to provide for his/hertemporal well-being, to teach him/her to love God and HisWord, the Bible, and to provide him/her with a God-centerededucation?3) Do you promise to teach him/her of his/her sinfulnature, of the plan of salvation which centers in Jesus Christ,and his/her own personal need of a relationship with Christ?4) To the end that he/she may grow in the Christian life,do you promise to pray for him/her, and to train him/her toread the Bible, to pray, to keep the Lord's Day and tounderstand the nature of the church, the value of its worshipand fellowship, and his/her need to seek communicantmembership in the church?5) Do you promise to lead him/her, by your example andparental discipline exercised in love, to seek first the Kingdomof God and His righteousness in all the relationships of life?6) Do you make these promises in the presence of God, inhumble reliance upon His grace, as you desire to give youraccount with joy at the Last Great Day?5. The congregation may rise. The teaching elder shall consecrate thesacramental element with prayer, using these or similar words: