When Presbyterians speak of baptism as a covenant, we emphasize the multiple commitments involved. First and most basic, there is God's commitment to us. Then there are the commitments the community of faith makes to us. Finally, and no less important, are the commitments we make to God, to our children, and to the church. Baptism is God's gift of grace and also God's summons to respond to that grace.
Baptism calls to repentance, to faithfulness, and to discipleship.
Baptism gives the church its identity and commissions the church for ministry to the world. Many contemporary Presbyterians may be a bit uncomfortable with the thought that God's claim on us in baptism is unconditional. It goes on to recount the wonderful comfort we can gain from the assurance that Christ forgives us, liberates us from evil, protects us, governs circumstances for our salvation, promises us eternal life, and gives us the will and the strength to live for God. Practically speaking, the point is that Christ has stood in our place, fulfilling all the divine conditions for our salvation, wholeness and future hope. God's baptismal claim on us is corporate and communal.