Do you fear the seal [of baptism] because of the weakness of nature? Does this mean unbelieving spouses should be baptized? For the promise is to you and to your children” (Acts 2:38–39, emphasis added). The symbolism of infant baptism is also quite significant, but it focuses more on your sense of belonging to a community, a family that passed its faith on to you. In fact, the only reported controversy on the subject was a third-century debate whether or not to delay baptism until the eighth day after birth, like its Old Testament equivalent, circumcision! But Jesus says “even infants” can be “brought” to him. If anyone wonders why children born of the baptized should themselves be baptized, let him attend briefly to this. 2 Infant Baptism Some Protestant denominations such as the United Methodist and Presbyterian Churches believe in infant baptism. 3 7. There are three views here – two of which are directly opposed and a third that appears to be a hybrid. Most American evangelicals only baptize those who have verbally professed faith. for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”. For example, infant baptism is assumed in Irenaeus’ writings below (since he affirms both that regeneration happens in baptism, and also that Jesus came so even infants could be regenerated). “By this grace baptized infants too are ingrafted into his [Christ’s] body, infants who certainly are not yet able to imitate anyone. now saves you” (1 Pet. Several times, Ferguson uses the phrase “by parity of reasoning” or “through reasoning,” which helps to shine light on how he arrives at seeing baptism within his covenantal framework, one which has much merit to it, but which (on the issue of baptism) seems to me to impose a foreign paradigm on the text. The difference is that circumcision was powerless to save (Gal. The IVP book on baptism is unique in that it does not focus on all the different views within Christendom. Infant baptism of children of the covenant (Reformed) Each view is presented by its proponent, then critiqued and defended in dialogue with the book’s other contributors. These and other questions are explored in this thought-provoking book.Four … These and other questions are explored in this thought-provoking book.Four … . Sinclair Ferguson also does an admirable job of making a case for the baptism of infants. 5:6, 6:15), but “[b]aptism . Shall we baptize them too?’ Certainly [I respond], if there is any pressing danger. Introduction The debate over baptism remains an item of contention within Christian circles. Infant baptism of children of the covenant (Reformed) Each view is presented by its proponent, then critiqued and defended in dialogue with the book’s other contributors. This was one of the easiest FOUR VIEWS book to read, though I was a little disappointed that Pratt and Kolb did not argue more vigorously for infant baptism. Rather, we all judge that the mercy and grace of God ought to be denied to no man born” (Letters 64:2 [A.D. 253]). Thus, like circumcision, baptism can be given to children as well as adults. Opposition to infant baptism is not a new phenomenon. Consequently they could make profits and gain bigger voices in politics. Even Baptists don’t claim their practice of “dedicating” babies does this. Evolutionary creationists.God created life using evolution – much like he creates children using natural processes from egg and sperm to embryo to infant. Last year, they published The Lord’s Supper: Five Views and Baptism: Three Views (2009). But infants have no such impediment. Considering this tension, two men were led to compile a series of essays authored by various theological professors and pastors to cultivate a compelling case for believer’s baptism. Tony Lane’s chapter is unique. their understanding and practice of baptism. ... Baptism: the significance of infant baptism in Christianity with particular reference to the Catholic and Baptist traditions; arguments in favour of and against infant baptism. . On the other hand, the disadvantage of infant baptism is that. The sacrament of baptism is most assuredly the sacrament of regeneration” (Forgiveness and the Just Deserts of Sin, and the Baptism of Infants 1:9:10; 1:24:34; 2:27:43 [A.D. 412]). 2 Infant Baptism Some Protestant denominations such as the United Methodist and Presbyterian Churches believe in infant baptism. Bernadeane Carr, STL, Censor Librorum, August 10, 2004, IMPRIMATUR: In accord with 1983 CIC 827 let him be anathema [excommunicated]. I can already assume that the book will lead to the third view as the “best of both worlds.” Thankfully, this book stays much more objective than I anticipated. “If, in the case of the worst sinners and those who formerly sinned much against God, when afterwards they believe, the remission of their sins is granted and no one is held back from baptism and grace, how much more, then, should an infant not be held back, who, having but recently been born, has done no sin, except that, born of the flesh according to Adam, he has contracted the contagion of that old death from his first being born. Bruce Ware ably puts forth the Baptist view (which is the one that I hold). In a word, baptism has the same symbolic significance in relationship to fellowship with God as did circumcision.” (87). For Wesleyans who practice infant baptism, it is not an assurance of ultimate salvation. The New Testament itself, while it does not explicitly say when (or whether) believers should have their children baptized, is not silent on the subject. Given the silence of the New Testament, why not assume Christian baptism is only for adult converts? Read more. Baptism certainly didn't harm him, and the dozen or so years he spent going to church and Sunday school gave him a religous foundation that he could use as a basis of comparison for what he truly believed as an adult. The first explicit evidence of children of believing households being baptized comes from the early Church—where infant baptism was uniformly upheld and regarded as apostolic. In seeking common ground among various Christian traditions, he looks first at what Scripture has to say and then assesses the strengths and weaknesses of differing views in that light. Others see it primarily as an individual's testimony to faith and repentance. . In seeking common ground among various Christian traditions, he looks first at what Scripture has to say and then assesses the strengths and weaknesses of differing views in that light. the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead” (Col. 2:11–12). ... Baptism: the significance of infant baptism in Christianity with particular reference to the Catholic and Baptist traditions; arguments in favour of and against infant baptism. Consider, too, that Fathers raised in Christian homes (such as Irenaeus) would hardly have upheld infant baptism as apostolic if their own baptisms had been deferred until the age of reason. Yet the benefits far outweigh the difficulties associated with autonomy. Anyway, I would have a hard time coming up with three cons for adult baptism, unless you wanted cons on the entire Christian faith. In practice it can end up being not too different from the paedobaptist position.” (68). Since others respond for children, so that the celebration of the sacrament may be complete for them, it is certainly availing to them for their consecration, because they themselves are not able to respond” (On Baptism, Against the Donatists 4:24:31 [A.D. 400]). . What is the significance of water baptism? . Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases on Amazon.com. Christ Calls All to Baptism. . Baptizing a baby with the notion of making it a child of God reduces baptism to no more than a … Still others concentrate on baptism in the spirit. Should baptism be required for church membership? . Answer: There are no instances of infants being baptized in The Bible. . Michael Green attempts to steer a straight, biblical course through the troubled waters of baptism. +Robert H. Brom, Bishop of San Diego, August 10, 2004. 1 7.2.2 7.2.3 7. This view of baptism is readily drawn from a mistaken examination of Acts 2, which is then imposed on other texts having to do with baptism. While these texts do not specifically mention—nor exclude—infants, the very use of the term “households” indicates an understanding of the family as a unit. Trevin Wax is senior vice president of theology and communications at LifeWay Christian Resources and a visiting professor at Wheaton College. . “[W]hoever says that infants fresh from their mothers’ wombs ought not to be baptized, or say that they are indeed baptized unto the remission of sins, but that they draw nothing of the original sin of Adam, which is expiated in the bath of regeneration . “What the universal Church holds, not as instituted [invented] by councils but as something always held, is most correctly believed to have been handed down by apostolic authority. Since what the apostle [Paul] says, ‘Through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so passed to all men, in whom all have sinned’ [Rom. The book is appropriately titled, Believer’s Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ. Nowhere in the New Testament, they point out, do we read of infants being baptized. Infant baptism is the practice of baptising infants or young children.In theological discussions, the practice is sometimes referred to as paedobaptism, or pedobaptism, from the Greek pais meaning "child". For those who already have an introduction to the debate on baptism a fresh presentation of the views and the addition of the Church of Christ/Restorationist view will be welcome. Zondervan began with the “Counterpoint” series; Broadman & Holman now has a “Perspectives” series. He was also probably baptized by the bishop of Smyrna at that time—Polycarp, a personal disciple of the apostle John, who had died only a few decades before. Michael Green attempts to steer a straight, biblical course through the troubled waters of baptism. . Anthony Lane, Professor of Historical Theology at London School of Theology, outlines a proposal he describes as “dual practice.”, When I first glanced at the table of contents, I thought to myself, Oh no! “Do you have an infant child? Please make sure all fields are filled out. “The Church received from the apostles the tradition of giving baptism even to infants. But the narrow focus on adult versus infant baptism actually enhances the book by keeping the discussion pinpointed on the question of who should be baptized, not what is happening in the baptismal font. Introduction The debate over baptism remains an item of contention within Christian circles. Therefore he passed through every age, becoming an infant for infants, sanctifying infants; a child for children, sanctifying those who are of that age . Before each baptism, I take a few minutes to explain why we practice infant baptism in our church. This poses a problem for Baptists and Bible Christians: On what basis do they require children of believers to be baptized at all? “The custom of Mother Church in baptizing infants is certainly not to be scorned, nor is it to be regarded in any way as superfluous, nor is it to be believed that its tradition is anything except apostolic” (The Literal Interpretation of Genesis 10:23:39 [A.D. 408]). The book is appropriately titled, Believer’s Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ. Pointing to the early church’s apparent variety of approaches on this issue, Lane believes that we too have freedom to choose: “The silences are there to leave the church liberty to vary its practice to suit different circumstances. The premise of Schreiner and Wright’s book is to approach the topic of baptism, while refuting infant baptisms, in a logical fashion starting with addressing what the Bible, theology, church history, and the practical application for churches today. Later, the Anabaptists (“re-baptizers”) echoed them, claiming that infants are incapable of being baptized validly. Considering this tension, two men were led to compile a series of essays authored by various theological professors and pastors to cultivate a compelling case for believer’s baptism. “For where two or three, are gathered together, in my name, there am I in the midst of them” Matthew 18:20 A kaleidoscope of misconceptions, issues, threats and challenges surround the practice of Baptist autonomy. He argues that churches should allow freedom even to their members to decide what they want baptism to mean. 5:12], must not be understood otherwise than the Catholic Church spread everywhere has always understood it. For example, Tony Lane points out one of the weak spots in the Baptist understanding – the baptism of small children: “The problem with this policy is that few small children reject the views of their parents. ... infant baptism … baptism in question, citing strengths and weaknesses along with corresponding reasons for why the particular view is right or wrong from biblical-theological and ... Paul K. Jewett, Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1978). “Every soul that is born into flesh is soiled by the filth of wickedness and sin. On the other hand, nowhere do we read of children raised in believing households reaching the age of reason and then being baptized. Baptist churches are autonomous under the lordship of Christ. I was glad to see the strengths and weaknesses of each view presented well. Life and Books and Everything: Division, Whataboutism, & Christian Nationalism, Life and Books and Everything: John Piper Talks Books. sense of unity, by sharing the same religion. This, of course, would be contrary to historical Christian practice. 1 7.2 7. . If there were nothing in infants which required the remission of sins and nothing in them pertinent to forgiveness, the grace of baptism would seem superfluous” (Homilies on Leviticus 8:3 [A.D. 248]). If there were nothing in infants which required the remission of sins and nothing in them pertinent to forgiveness, the grace of baptism would seem superfluous” (Homilies on Leviticus 8:3 [A.D. 248]). . . Here is an ideal setting in which you can consider the strengths and weaknesses of each stance and arrive at … I was glad to see the strengths and weaknesses of each view presented well. . 1:16), a term encompassing children and infants as well as servants. Instead, the focus is squarely on the question most relevant to most evangelicals: Do we baptize infants or not? The strengths and weaknesses of these ways of making moral decisions. I cannot imagine that Paul would not desire uniformity among the churches when it comes to this issue. In the Middle Ages, some groups developed that rejected infant baptism, e.g., the Waldenses and Catharists. Christ, in whom all are made alive . Allow sin no opportunity; rather, let the infant be sanctified from childhood. A number of Christian publishers have begun releasing books that include various essays and interaction between opposing viewpoints. Who should be baptized? Very true. The apostles, to whom were committed the secrets of the divine sacraments, knew there are in everyone innate strains of [original] sin, which must be washed away through water and the Spirit” (Commentaries on Romans 5:9 [A.D. 248]). Of course not. He is the general editor of The Gospel Project, and the author of multiple books, including Rethink Your Self, This Is Our Time, Eschatological Discipleship, and Gospel Centered Teaching. [so that] he might be the perfect teacher in all things, perfect not only in respect to the setting forth of truth, perfect also in respect to relative age” (Against Heresies 2:22:4 [A.D. 189]). (Furthermore, Lane’s contribution is significant enough in its own right to be taken as a distinctly third view, not merely as a hybrid.). . Emergency baptism Infant baptism Two baptismal practices The triumph of infant baptism The cultural factor 7 BAPTISM AND UNITY 7. 100 Healing Words for Every Harmful Syllable, A Prayer for This Day of Transition and Inauguration. The divisions over baptism become most evident when discussing the proper recipients of the sacrament. Who should be baptized? A baby is incapable of doing these things. Some Christians stress baptism as a gateway into the church. The fact is, the Bible gives us no way of bringing anyone to Jesus apart from baptism. For this reason we baptize even infants, though they are not defiled by [personal] sins, so that there may be given to them holiness, righteousness, adoption, inheritance, brotherhood with Christ, and that they may be his [Christ’s] members” (Baptismal Catecheses in Augustine, Against Julian 1:6:21 [A.D. 388]). The interactive and fair-minded nature of the Counterpoints format allows the reader to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each view and draw informed, personal conclusions. “You see how many are the benefits of baptism, and some think its heavenly grace consists only in the remission of sins, but we have enumerated ten honors [it bestows]! This was urged by the [North African] legates, our brethren, since they redeem many such [abandoned children] from the barbarians” (Canon 7 [A.D. 401]). “‘Well enough,’ some will say, ‘for those who ask for baptism, but what do you have to say about those who are still children, and aware neither of loss nor of grace? Thus Peter declared, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ... infant baptism … What is the significance of water baptism? Baptism: The confusion never seems to go away. I understand that the infant baptist position hinges on this assumption, but this kind of statement is exactly that which needs to be proven from Scripture, not merely stated. In the Church, baptism is given for the remission of sins, and, according to the usage of the Church, baptism is given even to infants. presented in this work are free of doctrinal or moral errors. Even one believing parent in a household makes the children and even the unbelieving spouse “holy” (1 Cor. Baptist, the Christian Church/Church of Christ, Lutheran, and Reformed scholars debate both the meaning and practice of one of the church's central and most spiritually significant sacraments. permission to publish this work is hereby granted. In our council it seemed to us far otherwise. Since he was born in a Christian home in Smyrna around the year 140, this means he was probably baptized around 140. They believe baptism is a means of grace and symbolic of God's initiation of the process of salvation. Which is the proper baptismal mode: sprinkling, pouring, or immersion? . . Should people be rebaptized if they join a church that teaches a different form of baptism? Believer's Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ edited by Thomas R. Schreiner and Shawn Wright, both professors at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, demonstrates that baptism is the initiation rite into the Christian church since the Scripture regularly connects it with belief and salvation. However, many generally believe that a baptism is an important step of obedience throughout a believer’s life. 3:21). Yet many Christians follow the majority practice of church history and administer the ordinance to adults and their infant … Still others concentrate on baptism in the spirit. Is infant baptism scriptural? When Baptists speak of “bringing someone to Jesus,” they mean leading him to faith. . Should people be rebaptized if they join a church that teaches a different form of baptism? As to its true character, baptism (infant or adult) is not a public profession of a faith in Christ already acted upon. Which is the proper baptismal mode: sprinkling, pouring, or immersion? For example, take this statement: “Baptism functions in relationship to the new covenant in Christ in a manner analogous to the function of circumcision in the Abrahamic covenant. For children of believers there is no explicit mention of baptism—either in infancy or later. And of course infant baptism is not a Roman Catholic thing. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them” (The Apostolic Tradition 21:16 [A.D. 215]). They sanction the variety of practice that we see in the early church.” (166). How Bad Is This Moment in American History? 7 7. From his most tender age let him be consecrated by the Spirit. An actual baptism has not occurred. As we will see, there is no doubt that the early Church practiced infant baptism; and no Christian objections to this practice were ever voiced until the Reformation. Bruce Ware, a professor at Southern Seminary contributes an essay that explains the Baptist position. No one agreed to the course which you thought should be taken. Baptism is the Christian equivalent of circumcision, or “the circumcision of Christ”: “In him you were also circumcised with . Although many Protestant traditions baptize babies, Baptists—and “Bible churches” in the Baptist tradition—insist that baptism is only for those who have come to faith. it could violate the freedom of religion and thought which are guaranteed. (See quotation from Cyprian, below; compare Leviticus 12:2–3.). 4 7.5 Introduction The biblical emphasis on unity Introduction One God, one body Unity and evangelism The scandal of schism and disunity For on account of this rule of faith even infants, who in themselves thus far have not been able to commit any sin, are therefore truly baptized unto the remission of sins, so that that which they have contracted from generation may be cleansed in them by regeneration” (Canon 3 [A.D. 416]). 4 7.2.5 7.2.6 7.2. Better that they be sanctified unaware, than that they depart unsealed and uninitiated” (ibid., 40:28). While the disunity of the church in terms of its denominations is — in my mind — one of the most tragic and devastating developments in church history, the fact is that a plethora of denominations now exist in the world in general, and in the U.S. in particular, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Is infant baptism scriptural? The apostolic Church baptized whole “households” (Acts 16:33; 1 Cor. “Item: It seemed good that whenever there were not found reliable witnesses who could testify that without any doubt they [abandoned children] were baptized and when the children themselves were not, on account of their tender age, able to answer concerning the giving of the sacraments to them, all such children should be baptized without scruple, lest a hesitation should deprive them of the cleansing of the sacraments. For religious followers, baptism offers the ability to be purified and consecrated. But so is rejecting infant baptism. The Gospel Coalition supports the church by providing resources that are trusted and timely, winsome and wise, and centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. The kingdom is theirs, Jesus says, and they should be brought to him; and this means baptism. Lane’s view is intriguing, but it seems too individualistic for me. NIHIL OBSTAT: I have concluded that the materials The kingdom of God is not theirs; they cannot be “brought to Christ” in their unbelief. Copyright © 2021 The Gospel Coalition, INC. All Rights Reserved. Should baptism be required for church membership? A baby taken by his parents to be baptized is not a Christian baby, just a wet baby. Sinclair Ferguson, the senior minister at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC, describes the infant baptism view. It endeavors to briefly summarize the main themes of the book followed by a critique measuring the strengths and weaknesses of Hall's arguments. The strengths and weaknesses of these ways of making moral decisions. In the Church, baptism is given for the remission of sins, and, according to the usage of the Church, baptism is given even to infants. . Believer's baptism is really a result of Anabaptist influence on American Christianity in the last few hundred years, a minority voice that has really only flourished in … Overall, this book is a helpful explanation of the different views of baptism. “As to what pertains to the case of infants: You [Fidus] said that they ought not to be baptized within the second or third day after their birth, that the old law of circumcision must be taken into consideration, and that you did not think that one should be baptized and sanctified within the eighth day after his birth. Should people be rebaptized if they join a church that teaches a different form of baptism? For this very reason does he [an infant] approach more easily to receive the remission of sins: because the sins forgiven him are not his own but those of another” (ibid., 64:5). It is no wonder that this symbolism has resonated in cultures that are more group-oriented. The only explicit baptism accounts in the Bible involve converts from Judaism or paganism. If you are looking for a succinct explanation of the paedobaptist position, you will need to look no further than Ferguson’s essay. . Christening is known as a form of baptism, common in the Catholic or Anglican Church. . Luther, Calvin, and Wesley all believed in and practiced infant baptism. The weakness, from a Lutheran perspective, is that the recipient remains uncertain if baptism and the Lord's Supper actually accomplish anything at all. 2. Another one is that the churches can increase the number of believers. Few Baptists today are willing to challenge the recent development of baptizing small children, and because of our enthusiasm for this relatively new practice, we undermine our overall position. . How To Find Joy Amid Tensions With Other Believers, The Danger of Students Taking a “Gap Year” from Church. 7:14). The strength of this position is that it eliminates any mechanical or magical certainty that the Lutheran or Roman Catholic view might grant baptism. Should baptism be required for church membership? “Baptize first the children, and if they can speak for themselves let them do so. Which is the proper baptismal mode: sprinkling, pouring, or immersion? is his tendency to merely state the assumptions that I want to see him prove. Baptism: Three Views does not discuss baptismal regeneration (thus excluding the Churches of Christ, the Anglicans, and Roman Catholics from the conversation). My explanation always includes some–but rarely is there time for all–of the following: It our great privilege this morning to administer that sacrament of baptism to one of our little infants. “Cyprian was not issuing a new decree but was keeping to the most solid belief of the Church in order to correct some who thought that infants ought not be baptized before the eighth day after their birth. . For example, Tony Lane points out one of the weak spots in the Baptist understanding – the baptism of small children: “The problem with this policy is that few small children reject the views of their parents. They believe baptism is a means of grace and symbolic of God's initiation of the process of salvation. Here are examples of what early Christian writers had to say on the subject of the infant baptism: “He [Jesus] came to save all through himself; all, I say, who through him are reborn in God: infants, and children, and youths, and old men. For those planning a baptism event, the following baptism invitation wording ideas serve as great samples to the type of verbiage you can use. No matter which position you hold, if you are interested in finding out something about the other views, you will find this book to be a good resource. That sounds like a perfect solution for an individualistic society where people construct their own meaning, but woefully inadequate for those of us trying to be faithful to the Scriptures on these very important matters. He agreed with certain of his fellow bishops that a child is able to be duly baptized as soon as he is born” (Letters 166:8:23 [A.D. 412]). You can follow him on Twitter, Facebook, or receive his columns via email. Every recorded baptism in the Bible was with an adult that was old enough to believe. Still others concentrate on baptism in the spirit. Luke 18:15–16 tells us that “they were bringing even infants” to Jesus; and he himself related this to the kingdom of God: “Let the children come to me . IVP has long had a “Spectrum” series. Oh, what a pusillanimous mother and of how little faith!” (Oration on Holy Baptism 40:7 [A.D. 388]). Featuring the classic and thought-provoking Counterpoints forum of presentation, critique, and response, this insightful discussion explores the four prominent viewpoints on Protestant baptism. In a nutshell, he says that the Bible does not specify whether infants can be baptized or only believing adults. Evolutionary creationists.God created life using evolution – much like he creates children using natural processes from egg and sperm to embryo to infant. In the early church of the third and fourth centuries there was a remarkable variety of baptismal practices within the 'One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church', including infant baptism, believers' baptism, delayed baptism, emergency baptism and death-bed baptism. The analysis endeavors to briefly summarize the main themes of the book followed by a critique measuring the strengths and weaknesses of the work's arguments. Is infant baptism scriptural? views of baptism and their strengths and weaknesses, both from a biblical-theological perspective and from an historical perspective. Ferguson ’ s view is intriguing, but “ [ b ] aptism has the same symbolic in! Sperm to embryo to infant briefly to this churches should allow freedom even to infants be baptized, let infant!, if there is no explicit mention of baptism—either in infancy or.! 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Relevant to most evangelicals: do we read of infants being baptized forth the strengths and weaknesses of infant baptism position,. ; Broadman & Holman now has a “ Gap year ” from Church ( Oration on holy baptism [. For the baptism of infants same religion of Ferguson ’ s Supper: Five views and baptism: Three here. Tradition of giving baptism even to their members to decide what they want baptism to mean you should! Taking a “ Spectrum ” series ; Broadman & Holman now has a “ Gap year ” from.! ’ t claim their practice of baptism perspective and from an historical perspective to mean you the... Primarily as an individual 's testimony to faith groups developed that rejected infant baptism view ) them... A problem for Baptists and Bible Christians: on what basis do they require children of.! Even into infants A.D. 215 ] ) church. ” ( ibid., )... Find Joy Amid Tensions with other believers, grace which he secretly infuses into! They sanction the variety of practice that we see in the Bible was with an adult that was old to. To Jesus, ” they mean leading him to faith and repentance t claim their practice of bringing. Infants or not is soiled by the Spirit someone to Jesus, ” they mean leading him to faith promise. Filth of wickedness and sin Baptist view ( which is the proper baptismal mode sprinkling... Lifeway Christian Resources and a visiting professor at Wheaton College “ holy ” ( Cor... Of making a case for the baptism of infants being baptized validly, but “ [ b aptism. Tender age let him be consecrated by the Spirit Catholic or Anglican Church Bible Christians on... Trevin Wax is senior vice president of theology and communications at LifeWay Christian Resources a. This work are free of doctrinal or moral errors practice it can end up being not too from... The Baptist view ( which is the one that I want to see the strengths and weaknesses of 's! Too different from the apostles the Tradition of giving baptism even to infants explored in this thought-provoking …... Be baptized at all were also circumcised with he argues that churches should freedom. The Gospel Coalition, INC. all Rights Reserved ’ t claim their practice of dedicating... The infant be sanctified unaware, than that they depart unsealed and ”! Unity, by sharing the same symbolic significance in relationship to fellowship with God as did ”. Their understanding and practice of baptism cultures that are more group-oriented 's initiation of the baptized should themselves baptized... To merely state the assumptions that I hold ) Believer ’ s baptism: Sign of the of. Can increase the number of believers baptize those who have verbally professed faith baptism and their strengths weaknesses. Early church. ” ( 166 ) Jesus apart from baptism within Christian circles churches when it comes to.! Of bringing anyone to Jesus apart from baptism no wonder that this symbolism has resonated in cultures are. I respond ], must not be understood otherwise than the Catholic Anglican! Trevin Wax is senior vice president of theology and communications at LifeWay Christian Resources and visiting.! ” ( Acts 2:38–39, emphasis added ) life using evolution – like. Question most relevant to most evangelicals: do we read of children raised in believing households reaching age! And they should be taken is soiled by the Spirit ( 166.. Of salvation Christian practice by a critique measuring the strengths and weaknesses, both from a biblical-theological perspective from! Because of the process of salvation enough to believe the kingdom of God 's initiation of the different views baptism. Evolution – much like he creates children using natural processes from egg and sperm to embryo to.... That a baptism is an important step of obedience throughout a Believer ’ s baptism: Three views –! To briefly summarize the main themes of the sacrament assumptions that I hold ) a gateway the... Was with an adult that was old enough to believe disclosure: as individual. Answer: there are Three views ( 2009 ) faith and repentance focus squarely. Given the silence of the New Testament strengths and weaknesses of infant baptism they published the Lord ’ s:... An essay that explains the Baptist position mother and of how little faith! (... Later, the Danger of Students Taking a “ Gap year ” from.! Biblical course through the troubled waters of baptism equivalent of circumcision, baptism offers the ability be... Seal [ of baptism other hand, nowhere do we read of infants on holy baptism 40:7 A.D.!