On Baptism Part I
Baptism. For something referred to as an "elementary doctrine" (Hebrews 6:1) in the Scriptures, there sure has been a lot of debate about it over the years. Should we pour, sprinkle, or immerse? Should we baptize adults only or include infants? Does baptism save? Is it simply a statement of faith, or does it signify something greater, like the work of God? Does baptism regenerate or is it more of a promise? Is it a promise?
For something that is so "elementary," there sure is a great deal of confusion. Was it always this way? When did the confusion set in? I'd really like to explore this topic, and hopefully get a lot of responses and comments. It seems to me like a healthy subject to discuss, especially if we are to consider it "elementary," and to move on to meatier topics!
Thus we arrive at "On Baptism Part I." I'd like to start by posing a few questions, and in future posts, I would like to explore this even deeper - which will likely bring us to parts II, III, etc. I will also likely be kicking off a parallel discussion on apostasy, especially since it can quite easily tie in so well with our discussion on baptism.
(1.) I am fully convinced that baptism is not so much a statement of our faith as much as it is a statement of the work of God. In Romans 6, Paul places the emphasis on our identification through baptism with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. He does the same in Colossians 2. That being the case, is baptism to be conditioned upon our faith? In other words, if baptism signifies a sovereign grace act of God, is it permissible to baptize infants, or is it conditioned upon personal expression of faith in Christ? I can see the argument both ways, but the stumbling block for the paedobaptist here is Colossians 2:12 where Paul speaks of being raised from baptism "through faith." For those of you who are paedobaptists, how do you respond to that text?
(2.) Should we allow our differences on baptismal modes, methods, and applications to divide us? That is, should we deny someone membership in a church and the ability to exercise his or her spiritual gifts - especially if they have the gift of teaching - on one's views of infant v. adult baptism and one's preference of mode? Thoughts?
Well, I think that ought to get us started for now. I anxiously await your comments!
D.J.M.
For something that is so "elementary," there sure is a great deal of confusion. Was it always this way? When did the confusion set in? I'd really like to explore this topic, and hopefully get a lot of responses and comments. It seems to me like a healthy subject to discuss, especially if we are to consider it "elementary," and to move on to meatier topics!
Thus we arrive at "On Baptism Part I." I'd like to start by posing a few questions, and in future posts, I would like to explore this even deeper - which will likely bring us to parts II, III, etc. I will also likely be kicking off a parallel discussion on apostasy, especially since it can quite easily tie in so well with our discussion on baptism.
(1.) I am fully convinced that baptism is not so much a statement of our faith as much as it is a statement of the work of God. In Romans 6, Paul places the emphasis on our identification through baptism with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. He does the same in Colossians 2. That being the case, is baptism to be conditioned upon our faith? In other words, if baptism signifies a sovereign grace act of God, is it permissible to baptize infants, or is it conditioned upon personal expression of faith in Christ? I can see the argument both ways, but the stumbling block for the paedobaptist here is Colossians 2:12 where Paul speaks of being raised from baptism "through faith." For those of you who are paedobaptists, how do you respond to that text?
(2.) Should we allow our differences on baptismal modes, methods, and applications to divide us? That is, should we deny someone membership in a church and the ability to exercise his or her spiritual gifts - especially if they have the gift of teaching - on one's views of infant v. adult baptism and one's preference of mode? Thoughts?
Well, I think that ought to get us started for now. I anxiously await your comments!
D.J.M.
posted by bigdaddydave at 6:33 PM
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