The safety of appearing at the day of judgement, in the righteousness of Christ

But in the Sacraments of the New-Testament, we are taught the efficacy of Christs righteousness unto salvation: God in these Sacraments is by sensible signs teaching of us this truth: so that in the Sacraments there is a divine testimony to this doctrine

1. We are taught the efficacy of Christs righteousness unto salvation, by the ordinance of Baptism; as 'tis said of circumcision, that it was a seal of the righteousness of Faith; so is baptism; the washing of water, signifies our washing in the blood of Christ: as the legal washings had a respect unto the cleansing away of sin by Christs blood, so has our baptismal washing: this ordinance practised first by John, and afterwards appointed by Christ to be a perpetual ordinance in the gospel church, is appointed on this design to strengthen our Faith in this Doctrine.

1. This appears, because by baptism is held forth our fellowship with Christ in his sufferings, that is signified thereby, that we have an interest in the virtue of his sufferings; that his sufferings are made over unto us, that we do participate in the good and benefit of them, Rom. 6 3. so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death; there was sealed up unto us the virtue and efficacy of his death: therefore verse 4. we are said to be buried with him by baptism into death: the like expression you have, Col. 2.12. we are thereby partakers of his sufferings, as if we our selves had suffered: and if this be held forth, then our justification and reconciliation is held forth: for that is procured by the sufferings of Christ, Rom. 5.10. we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son. 2. Baptism is appointed to be a seal to this doctrine of faith in the righteousness of Christ; 'tis a confirmation of this doctrine, and the covenant of God to give salvation through faith in Christ: and therefore it was John the Baptists manner before he baptized persons, to teach them that they must believe