Confession of the Poor and Distressed Christians: Of Baptism

Concerning baptism, we believe and confess that it is the institution, word, ordinance and command of the Lord, and therefore a holy, divine sacrament or sign by which faith and its powers, fruits and mysteries are gloriously represented and portrayed when it is rightly administered according to the ordinance of God and not after our own choice, namely, to believers and not to infants.

We teach and administer baptism on the confession of faith for these reasons. First, because Christ himself has so commanded, for he says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature; he who believes and is baptized shall be saved,” Mark 16, verse 15; Matthew 28, verse 19.

Second, because the holy apostles taught and administered it on the confession of faith, according to the commandment of God, and not to infants, Acts 2, verse 38; Acts 8, verse 37; Acts 10, verse 47; Acts 16, verse 15; Acts 18, verse 8; Acts 19, verse 5. Third, because the effect, or the meaning—that is, what is represented by baptism—is found in believers and not in infants, Romans 6, verse 4; Colossians 2, verse 12; First Corinthians 12, verse 13; Ephesians 4, verse 4; First Peter 3, verse 21; Galatians 3, verse 27.

The Wisdom and Truth himself has commanded that we should baptize believers; his faithful witnesses, the holy apostles, taught and administered it in no other way than according to the commandment of their Lord; the meaning applies only to believers and not to infants, as was remarked; by the grace of the Lord we acknowledge from the Scriptures that Moses and the prophets, indeed, the Father himself, point us to Christ, that we should hear him; and according to the doctrine of Paul no other foundation can be laid, and no other gospel preached, than the one the apostles preached to us. See, this is why we teach, receive, affirm and maintain baptism on the confession of faith, at the cost of so much misery, even at the peril of property and life. For we truly confess, and that in accordance with the Scripture, which is the true light for our feet, that it is the institution, word, ordinance and command of the Lord, Jeremiah 23, verse 33; Matthew 17, verse 5; Mark 9, verse 6; Luke 9, verse 30; First Corinthians 3, verse 11; Psalm 119, verse 105.

Concerning infant baptism we hold and confess, first, that it is a self-made rite and a human righteousness; for in all the New Testament not a word is said or commanded about baptizing infants, either by Christ or by the apostles.

Second, that it is a breaking and tearing to pieces of the ordinance of Christ. For he has commanded that the gospel be preached and that those who believe be baptized, Matthew 28, verse 19; Mark 16, verse 15. But here they baptize without divine command, without the preaching of the word, without knowledge, faith, repentance or new life, and without any awareness or understanding at all; and yet the learned call it a holy, glorious work, and a Christian baptism and sacrament.

Third, that it is a vain comfort and boast of all the unrighteous; for although they do not understand the word of God, do not know the truth and lead a licentious, carnal life, they still boast that they are baptized Christians.

Infant baptism is such a pernicious superstition that it entirely destroys the Lord’s baptism; the poor, blind world lets itself be misled and comforted by it; and besides this, there is joined to it such fearful blasphemy, hypocrisy, conjuring, witchcraft and abuse of the glorious name of God that a God-fearing heart may well be astounded at it. Therefore we oppose infant baptism so strenuously, and openly confess that it is not of God or of his word, but of antichrist and of the bottomless pit.

Luther writes in a book on “Human Doctrine” that “what is not commanded by God in religious matters of faith is forbidden.” Again, on the 12th chapter of Genesis he says “that we should not accept any doctrines without sure grounds from the divine word.”

Daniel writes, “Worship without the word of God is idolatry.”

Philip Melancthon, in a book on the Jurisdiction and Authority of the Church, says “that all worship which is not instituted by God through his express word is false and wrong, however much it may be glossed over.”

Here Luther and Melancthon have expressed themselves rightly, according to the Scripture, although, alas, they did not practice it. For if we read and carefully consider the Scriptures, we clearly find how pointedly God has commanded us not to institute a religion of our own choice, but to do as he has commanded. Because of self-righteousness and self-chosen religion Israel was severely visited and punished by the Lord.

Do not say, beloved reader, as the ignorant do, that we condemn our children by this, because we do not let them be baptized. O no. For the Scripture does not bind the kingdom to words and water, but to the election and grace of the Father, in the merits of the death and blood of Christ.

Christ has promised the kingdom to little children without baptism, Matthew 19, verse 14; Mark 10, verse 14; Luke 18, verse 16. Because of this promise we rejoice greatly and give thanks to the Lord for the grace shown to our children. Therefore take heed and do not be mistaken; for to bind the election, grace, favor and kingdom of God to words, works, signs and the elements is entirely contrary to the merits, death, blood and word of the Lord—indeed, it is open deceit, abomination and idolatry.

In the same way we believe and confess concerning the Lord’s Holy Supper that it is a holy sacramental sign, instituted by the Lord himself in the form of bread and wine and left to his own in remembrance of him, Matthew, chapter 26; Mark, chapter 14; Luke, chapter 22; First Corinthians, chapter 11; which the apostles also taught and administered in this way among the brothers, according to the commandment of the Lord. By it, first, the Lord’s death is proclaimed, First Corinthians, chapter 11; and we are also to remember how he offered his holy flesh and shed his precious blood for the remission of our sins, Matthew 26, verse 27; Mark 14, verse 24; Luke 22, verse 19.

Second, it is an emblem of Christian love, unity and peace in the church of Christ. Paul says, “For we, being many, are one bread and one body; for we are all partakers of that one bread,” First Corinthians 10, verse 17. For as a loaf composed of many grains is still only one bread, so we also, composed of many members, are only one body in Christ. And as the members of a natural body are not divided but are in every respect united and at peace among themselves, so it is with all who in Spirit and faith are true members of the body of Christ; and for this reason Tertullian called this same supper a brotherly meal, or a supper of love.

Third, it is a communion of the flesh and blood of Christ, as Paul says, “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” First Corinthians 10, verse 16. And this communion is that Christ has accepted us in his great love and we have become partakers of him, as Paul says, “We are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,” Hebrews 3, verse 14.

Since it is a sign left to us by Christ with such power that it is to represent his death to us and admonish us of it, and of the love, peace and unity of the brothers, and also of the communion of his flesh and blood, as was said, no one can rightly partake of this Supper, according to Scripture, except one who is a disciple of Christ, flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone; who seeks reconciliation and the remission of sins in no other means than in the merits, sacrifice, death and blood of Christ alone; who walks in unity, love and peace with his brothers; and who leads a pious, blameless life in Christ Jesus, according to the Scriptures.

Here you have, briefly stated, the true Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ together with what it represents, which the mouth of the Lord has left you and taught you by his holy word. If you would be a fitting guest at the Lord’s table and rightly enjoy his bread and wine, then you must also be his true disciple; that is, you must be an upright, pious and godly Christian. Therefore examine yourself, according to the doctrine of Paul, First Corinthians 11, verse 27, before you eat of this bread and drink of this cup; for before God no pretending avails. He did not institute this ceremony with the intention that God would be pleased by the mere eating of the bread or drinking of the wine. O no. He instituted it so that by it you should take note of what this sacrament represents and admonishes, and faithfully conform yourself to it. For it is not the ceremony itself but the meaning it represents, rightly understood and fulfilled in deeds, that makes a sincere Christian.

Concerning the supper of the preachers we hold and confess, first, that it is a false and idolatrous comfort and sign of peace to all who delight in walking on the broad way, such as greedy, covetous, avaricious, usurious, adulterous, lying, deceiving, proud and unrighteous persons. For since their preachers present it to them as a means of the remission of their sins, they comfort themselves and think that if they partake of it they are the people of the Lord. O no. The ceremony makes no Christian. For as long as they do not turn and become new people, born of God and of spiritual mind, it is a vain baptism and a vain supper, even if it were administered by Peter or Paul. Paul says, “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith which works by love,” Galatians 5, verse 6; the new creature, and the keeping of the commandments of God, First Corinthians 7, verse 19; Matthew 18, verse 4; John 3, verses 3 to 5; Second Peter 1, verse 3.

Second, we assert that it is openly a feigned work, although few acknowledge it. For Christ instituted it in remembrance of his death, as a sign of Christian peace and as a communion of his flesh and blood; while the common world partakes of the supper in pretense, as if they believed so and were so minded, and yet they seek the remission of their sins and their salvation in infant baptism, absolutions, and bread and wine, as is manifest.

Besides this, their fruits openly show that they are not the body of peace. For they use such tricks and treachery with one another in buying and selling; some also commit adultery, lie and cheat; one slanders, defames and robs another; so that it may truly be said of them that they do not acknowledge the Christian peace which is of God, and that they are not in the communion of Christ, but in the communion of him of whom John says, “Little children, let no man deceive you.” “He who commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning,” First John 3, verses 7 and 8.

Third, we say that it is a horrible blasphemy, abomination and adultery, indeed, a new calf and Moaz. For the blind, reckless world plainly sees that it is a perishable fruit of the earth, which they have planted, cut, pressed and baked with their own hands, and which returns to the earth again; that it must be looked after by people lest the worms and age consume it—and yet many call it the imperishable, precious flesh and blood of Christ, and worship and honor it as the true Son of the living God. We too, with our ancestors, have done this these five hundred years, and it is still done in many large kingdoms, principalities, cities and districts, as was once the case with Israel in the worship of the brazen serpent, which was afterward broken in pieces by Hezekiah, king of Judah, Second Kings 18, verse 4. [Note 1]

See, the Apollyon of the Revelation has made the scribes of this world into such crude idolaters and deceivers that by their own wisdom, doctrine and counsel they have set up such a powerless, earthly grain and fruit as being the true Son of the Almighty and eternal God, or as filling his place. See how entirely the noble Sun of righteousness has lost its brightness, and the Egyptian darkness has covered the whole land, Revelation 9, verse 2; Exodus 10, verse 22.

Faithful reader, by this our explanation and confession concerning the preachers and their baptism, supper and envious hearts toward all the pious, learn the judgment of the finely dressed woman seated on the scarlet-colored beast, Revelation 17, verse 3. Note well: the beast on which the woman was seated is full of names of blasphemy; understand the spiritual sense. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet—in festivals, churches, bells, choirs, organs, baptism and supper. The cup in her hand was of gold: they boast of the word of God, but they are filled with the abominations and filthiness of their fornication, and have made all the world drunk with it. And the name was written on her forehead, and may be read by all who have spiritual eyes, and it is, “Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth.”

And although she is so finely arrayed that all kings commit fornication with her, yet the angel calls her a whore, and of such an inhuman and wolfish nature that she is “drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.”

John, the holy man of God, saw this in the Spirit and was astounded at it. Indeed, kind reader, whoever rightly understands the abominable power, idolatrous array, spiritual enchantment and fornication, inhuman abomination and fearful bloodthirstiness and tyranny of the woman may well be astounded at it. Therefore fear God and learn wisdom. By the grace of God we have shown her thoroughly, exposed her shame, and diligently and in faithful love warned you against her.

David says, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation,” Psalm 24.

These words of David are full of spirit and wisdom, yet the world does not regard them. For everywhere we find guilty hands, unclean hearts, false doctrine, faithlessness and very little truth. Indeed, it has come to this among the children of men, that the precious yes and no which the Lord himself commanded can no longer be trusted; nearly everything that is transacted before the magistracy must be affirmed by an oath, although the Lord has so plainly forbidden the swearing of oaths to all Christians, Matthew 5, verse 34.

The Scripture teaches that we should hear Christ, for he is the king in Jacob, Isaiah 9, verse 7, the king of righteousness, the Teacher and Prophet promised by God, who has taught us the word of the Father; and his word is truth, his commandment eternal life, Deuteronomy 18, verse 15; Matthew 17, verse 5; Mark 9, verse 7; Isaiah 9, verse 7; Jeremiah 23, verse 6; Jeremiah 33, verse 16; Deuteronomy 18, verse 15; Acts 3, verse 26; John 3, verse 17; John 5, verse 46; John 17, verse 17; John 12, verse 50.

This we confess and wholeheartedly believe; and besides this we confess that no emperor or king may rule or command contrary to his word, since he is the Head of all princes, Ephesians 1, verse 21; Colossians 2, verse 10, and the King of all kings, Revelation 1, verse 5; Revelation 19, verse 16, and that to him every knee shall bow, in heaven, on earth and under the earth, Philippians, chapter 2. And since he has plainly forbidden us to swear and has pointed us to yes and no alone, we do not swear, out of the fear of God, nor dare we swear, though we must hear and suffer so much from the world because of it.

Since throughout the world they act so fearlessly contrary to the word of God in this article, and since some of the God-fearing are sometimes put into difficulty by it, I will, by the grace of God, show the kindhearted reader from the word of God what the Holy Scriptures teach and imply at different times concerning the swearing of oaths.

First, the reader should observe that swearing was not always practiced in the same way among the people of the Lord. Before the law, the holy fathers had a custom of laying their hands under the thigh, and so swore to one another, as may be read in the case of Abraham and his servant, Genesis 24, verse 3, and in the case of Jacob and his son Joseph, Genesis 47, verses 29 to 31. Joseph also swore by the life of Pharaoh, Genesis, chapter 42; and it seems that such swearing was customary among the Egyptians.

Second, the reader should observe that Israel was bound by the law to swear by the name of the Lord and to keep their oath, as Moses says, “And you shall not swear by my name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God. I am the Lord,” Leviticus 19, verse 12; and this oath settled every dispute in Israel, Exodus 22, verse 11; Hebrews 6, verse 16. Third, it should be observed that in the New Testament Christ Jesus does not point his disciples to the law concerning swearing, as to what is imperfect, which allowed swearing; but he now points us from the law to yes and no, as to what is perfect, and speaks thus: “You have heard that it was said by those of old time (that is, to the fathers under the law, by Moses), You shall not forswear yourself, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord (that is, you shall swear truly and fulfill your oath); but I (Christ) say to you (my disciples), Do not swear at all (that is, neither truly nor falsely); neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yes, yes; No, no; for whatever is more than these comes of evil.” Here you have Christ’s own doctrine and ordinance concerning swearing, Matthew 5, verses 35 to 37; James 5, verse 12; Exodus 20, verse 7.

See, beloved reader, before these words of Christ all human laws and regulations concerning swearing must give way and be abolished, such as Juramentum Calumniae, Juramentum de veritate dicenda, or Fede, no matter how they are performed—whether by words, or by raising your hand, or by holding your hands on your breast, or on a cross, or on the New Testament, and so on. And the truthful yes and no, ordained by the Lord himself, must be restored, if the magistrates and subjects do not want to transgress the word of the Lord licentiously and reject it as vain; for whatever is more than yes and no (says Christ) comes of evil. The holy James teaches the same: “Above all things, my brothers, do not swear, neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath (understand: such as, By God’s word—By the Lord’s cross—By the salvation of your soul); but let your yes be yes, and your no, no (and not, So help me God, So help me God and all the saints, as is, alas, the custom in many places); lest you fall into condemnation,” James 5, verse 12. [Note 2]

We are aware that the magistracy claim and say, “We are allowed to swear when justice is on our side.” To this we answer simply with the word of the Lord. To swear truly was allowed to the Jews under the law; but the gospel forbids it to Christians. Christ does not allow us to swear; the magistracy nevertheless proceed according to their rule, although it is contrary to the Scriptures; and the Scriptures may not be set aside by man. What, then, shall the conscientious Christian do? If he swears, he falls into the hands of the Lord; but if he does not swear, he will have to bear the disfavor and punishment of the magistracy.

O you beloved lords! If we now had Christian eyes, and could see and sincerely acknowledge what it is, according to the justice of God, to despise and transgress the word of God licentiously, we would rather die than weaken or break the precious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, the ordinance of the eternal God, by temporal statutes and policies.

Nor would we even think of asking more than yes and no, particularly of the pious, God-fearing hearts who, out of the fear of their God, dare not speak anything but the truth; who regard every word that comes from their mouths as an oath, and keep their yes and no until death. But now, alas, they dare force them to swear over a trifle, such as some temporal goods or something of the kind, even with their fingers raised to heaven or with their hands on the New Testament, by the God of heaven and by his living word.

O you beloved lords! How pitiably your teachers and leaders lead you on the way that tends to damnation, who always comfort you by saying that we should obey the magistracy (as is also fitting, as far as it is not contrary to God’s word), as if the magistracy might act and rule against the Lord at pleasure.

O no, beloved lords, no! We warn you in faithful love. Repent, wake up and take heed. Your preachers deceive you. With God there is no respect of persons. If you do not repent, are not born of God, do not become like children in malice, do not execute your office and service in love according to the will of God, do not act justly toward the poor and miserable, and do not walk obediently to the word of the Lord with godly, humble hearts, you will find your judge on the judgment day. Beloved lords, take this saying to heart: “Mighty men shall be mightily tormented,” Wisdom of Solomon 6, verse 6. [Note 3]

Again, you learned, who by your flatteries and errors assert and maintain it: how dare you so flatly contradict the eternal wisdom and truth of God and say, “You say, You shall not swear; but we say, You may swear when the love, profit and need of your neighbor require it”? We leave it to your judgment whether that is not teaching contrary to Christ, since it is so plain that swearing truly was allowed to the Jews under the law but is forbidden to us Christians, and since it is very plain that, according to the New Testament, no love of neighbors or kinsmen and no peril of life is any excuse for straining or breaking the word of the Lord, Matthew 10, verse 37; Mark 8, verse 38.

Therefore, worthy reader, if you fear the Lord and it should happen that you are asked to swear, pray to the Most High for wisdom, courage and strength. Do not listen to the flatteries of the learned, for they deceive you. Do not look to numbers, lest you follow in their evil ways; as Moses says, Respect no flesh in this matter, no matter who, what or where they are. But admonish them in a fitting manner and in love when they ask more of you than the Scriptures command; abide in the Lord’s word, which has so plainly forbidden you to swear; and let your yes and no be your oath, as was commanded, whether life or death is your lot; so that by your courage and firm truthfulness you may admonish and reprove to righteousness, by your truthful yes and no, the useless, fruitless, vain world (which in its faithlessness respects nothing less than the word of the Lord), so that some might yet be converted from their unrighteousness, study the truth more deeply because of it, and be saved, Matthew 5, verse 37; Philippians 2, verse 12.

It is better to incur the disfavor, scorn and slander of men and remain in the truth than to be the favorite of men and sin against God. The good John Huss* confessed this when he was asked to swear, and said, “I am pressed on all sides. If I swear, I have eternal death; and if I do not swear, I will fall into your hands. But I would rather fall into your hands without swearing than sin in the sight of God.” So thoughtfully did this worthy man weigh the oath. [*]

Read also Hieronymus, Theophilact, Chrysostom and Erasmus of Rotterdam in their annotations; Philip Melancthon’s Treatise on the Fifth Chapter of Matthew; Heymon’s Treatise on the Tenth Chapter of Revelations; and also Origen; and you will find that in this article they agree with our foundation, faith, doctrine and confession. This is our foundation and understanding concerning this article. The Lord has forbidden us to swear at all (understand: in temporal matters), neither truly nor falsely, as was said, and has commanded that our yes shall be yes and our no, no, Matthew 5, verse 37; Paul and James also testify to this, Second Corinthians 1, verse 18; James 5, verse 12; and we know that no man, nor any commandment of man, may override God and his commandment. Therefore in temporal matters we dare not affirm the truth with more than yes or no, as the case may be; for so the word of the Lord teaches us.

Reader, note this. We say “in temporal matters,” and for this reason: because Christ sometimes uses the word “truly” in his teaching, Matthew 18, verse 18; John 3, verses 3 and 5; John 8, verse 34; John 10, verse 1; and because Paul called on the Lord as a witness upon his soul. For this reason some think that swearing is allowable, not observing that Christ and Paul did not do this when speaking of temporal matters, such as a matter of flesh or blood, or of money or property, but as an affirmation of the eternal truth, to the praise of God and to the salvation and edification of their brothers.

We hereby pray all lords and magistrates, for Jesus’ sake, to fear the Lord sincerely, to conform their policy in this matter of swearing to the word of the Lord, and to consider why they require the oath, namely, so that what one swears to shall be fulfilled. Since we hold our yes and no to be no less than an oath, why require any further affirmation from us than the word of the Lord teaches and allows? For by the grace of God we trust—since we are partakers of the Lord and hold to the word in which yes is amen—that it will be found with us that it is yes where it should be yes and no where it should be no, much more so than with the world under strong oaths. But if a man’s yes and no is not kept, let him be punished as a perjurer. That it is yes and amen with all true Christians is sufficiently proven by those who in our Netherlands are so tyrannically visited with imprisonment, confiscation and torture, and besides this with fire, the stake and the sword, while with one word they could escape all these if they would only break their yes and no. But because they are born of the truth, they walk in the truth and testify to the truth until death, as may be abundantly seen in Flanders, Braband, Holland, West Vriesland and other places.

It is manifest, honored reader, that the world has so degenerated that it regards as wrong everything that God teaches, commands and desires, and hates it with envious hearts, persecutes it and destroys it. On the other hand, all that God hates, curses and regards as an abomination, it looks on as good and diligently asserts and maintains; and yet they want to be the holy Christian church and the people of God, as if we could be that by the mere name, by baptizing children and so on, without faith, the new birth, and the Spirit and obedience of God. O no, reader, no. Take heed. Your comforters deceive you and corrupt the way you should go, Isaiah 3, verse 11.

Since the world has so entirely degenerated, as was said, and since our opponents lie about us and war against us so shamefully that we cannot answer for ourselves, as is manifest, we have written this our confession, so that everyone who may read, hear or see it may know why and by what we seek to be saved; why we do not hear the preachers; why we so strictly administer baptism to believers and oppose infant baptism; what is represented by the Lord’s Holy Supper, and what abominations are implied in the baptism of the learned; and that a true Christian is not allowed to swear in temporal matters, but only to affirm by yes and no. And in doing so we have set truth beside falsehood, light beside darkness and white beside black, as you will perceive. If you do not want to be willfully blind, you have a good eye salve here. Indeed, we have presented it so plainly and clearly that you must either acknowledge it to be the truth or reject it in perverseness and say, “No, I do not want to believe it so.” What kind of Christian you are, you may consider for yourself.

Kind reader, do not associate with those who say to God, “Depart from us; for we do not desire the knowledge of your ways,” Job 21, verse 14; nor with those who are intent on blood, for their reward will be death, Romans 1, verse 32; Revelation 21, verse 27. See, this is our foundation, as you have read it here. If now you are of a pious mind and not led by the blind spirit of spiritual whoredom, then judge our cause according to the word and truth of the Lord. If you do not understand it, then fear God and pray. All who are born of God and inclined to the word of the Lord must acknowledge that our doctrine is of God and that truth is on our side. Whoever accepts these things and abides in them to the end has eternal life; but whoever rejects them does not reject us but Christ Jesus himself, who taught so from the mouth of his Father and sealed it with his blood, Revelation 1, verse 5; First Peter 1, verse 19; Acts 20, verse 28. May the gracious Father, through his beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, enlighten you and all hungry hearts by the gift of his Holy Spirit, and lead you by his strength into his eternal, saving truth. Amen.

To the praise of God and the service of all mankind.

MENNO SIMON.

In the year 1552.