Article 38. Of Baptism
Baptism is an ordinance which Christ, as King, instituted in his church, to be observed to the end of time, and to be administered only by ministers appointed and sent by Christ himself. It is duly administered by sprinkling or pouring water on the baptised person, in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. It should be administered but once on the same person. All who profess themselves believers, and their infant children, have a scriptural right to this ordinance. It is an emblem of their death unto sin, and of newness of life unto righteousness. This ordinance is not essentially necessary to salvation; yet it is a sin wilfully to neglect it, inasmuch as that would be an act of disobedience to a positive command of Christ. It should be administered publicly in the congregation, except when circumstances require it otherwise.
Addendum (Added in 1874) We also recognize in addition to the form referred to in Article 38 the validity of Believer's Baptism by immersion or effusion, and the dedication of infants. The doctrine of Baptism as an ordinance is something to be decided by each individual believer after studying the Scriptures and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit.
