Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 94 of 107
What is baptism?
A.Baptism is a sacrament, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, doth signify and seal our ingrafting into Christ, and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord’s.
Which Bible passages support this answer?
The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 94. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.
- Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, (NET)
- Romans 6:4
Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may live a new life. (NET)
- Galatians 3:27
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (NET)
What does this answer mean?
In baptism, washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost signifies and seals three things: our ingrafting into Christ, our share in the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement, or pledge, to be the Lord's.
What can we ask our children?
- In whose name is a person baptized?
- What does 'ingrafting' mean? Think of a branch joined to a tree.
- What promise does baptism show about belonging to the Lord?
Can I print this question?
Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.
- Memory card for question 94 (fold-over card, question on the front)
- Copywork page for question 94 (trace, then copy)
- Memory cards for questions 91 to 100
- Copywork for questions 91 to 100
- All Westminster Shorter Catechism printables
Text: The Shorter Catechism, constitutional text of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Public domain (1647). Proof references: Scripture proofs added by the Westminster Assembly, as transcribed by The Westminster Standard. Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible; see permissions.
Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.