Believer Baptism Reading Plan and Sermon-Series Outline

Believer baptism in the Reformed Baptist tradition is best studied by beginning with the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession, then moving outward into biblical exegesis, historical theology, modern Reformed Baptist development, and pastoral application.[cite:11][cite:14][cite:23][cite:24][cite:40] This guide is structured to support careful personal study and sermon preparation, with Romans 6 and Chapter 29 of the 1689 functioning as the main doctrinal spine.[cite:14][cite:40][cite:43][cite:44]

Reading Plan

Section 1: Confessional foundation

Begin with the confession itself. Chapters 28 and 29 of the 1689 define baptism as a New Testament ordinance for professing believers and specify water, the triune name, and immersion as necessary to its due administration.[cite:11][cite:14][cite:40][cite:43][cite:44] The original confession tradition also includes an Appendix Concerning Baptism, which explains why the signatories believed this point required fuller defense in relation to their Reformed paedobaptist brethren.[cite:41][cite:43][cite:48]

Read in this order:

1. 1689 Second London Baptist Confession
   • Chapter 28, “Of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.”[cite:11][cite:43]
   • Chapter 29, “Of Baptism.”[cite:14][cite:40][cite:44]
   • Appendix Concerning Baptism.[cite:41][cite:43]
2. Study target
   • Mark every phrase that answers four questions: What is baptism? Who should receive it? How should it be administered? What does it signify?[cite:14][cite:40][cite:43][cite:44]
3. Suggested output
   • Build a one-page doctrinal grid using the four paragraphs of Chapter 29 as headings.[cite:14][cite:45]

Section 2: Exegetical core texts

After the confession, move to the biblical texts that most directly ground the doctrine. Romans 6 is especially central because Chapter 29.1 explicitly ties baptism to union with Christ in his death and resurrection, and the confession cites Romans 6:3–5 and Colossians 2:12 as major proof texts.[cite:14][cite:40][cite:43] Matthew 28:19–20 also anchors baptism in Christ’s commission and triune name.[cite:14][cite:44]

Read in this order:

1. Matthew 28:18–20
   • Focus on the order: disciple, baptize, teach.[cite:44]
2. Acts 2:38–41; Acts 8:12, 36–38; Acts 10:47–48; Acts 16:30–34
   • Trace the sequence of word received, faith professed, and baptism administered.[cite:45][cite:48]
3. Romans 6:1–11
   • Concentrate on the meaning of being baptized into Christ’s death and raised to walk in newness of life.[cite:14][cite:40][cite:43][cite:45]
4. Colossians 2:11–12 and Galatians 3:26–27
   • Compare union-with-Christ language and covenantal implications.[cite:14][cite:43]
5. Jeremiah 31:31–34; Hebrews 8:6–13; Hebrews 10:19–22
   • Note the regenerate character of the new covenant community.[cite:24]

Study questions:

• How does Romans 6 shape the meaning of baptism beyond mere public testimony?[cite:14][cite:40][cite:43]
• How do Acts narratives support the confession’s restriction of baptism to professing believers?[cite:45][cite:48]