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Why I Am Not a Paedo-Baptist
Posted by Brian Thornton on September 27, 2007
The following are my notes from Butch’s second and final sermon this past Sunday on the subject of baptism. I encourage you to go and listen to it (as well as part 1). These notes are just a brief summary of what he preached, and are only a rough outline of the actual sermon.
listen now:
Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. – Luke 18:15-17
Also: Matt. 19:13-15, Mark 9:36-42, and Mark 10:13-16
According to the Paedo view:
- these parents (those bringing infants to Christ) must have been covenant members
- the burden is on the Baptists to show that none of the households mentioned had infants or small children
- these babies belong to the kingdom of God as much as their parents
- they belong to the kingdom of God because they have been born to their parents
- infants are among Christ’s people and are of His body
- infants belong to the church, to Christ, and are to be received into the fellowship of the church
List – Why I am not a Paedo-Baptist:
- If the Paedo is right, I’m not smart enough to see what the Paedo sees in these passages
- I can’t in good conscience – or from Scripture – defend the statements and assertions listed above
- I see in the NT a dismantling of the hereditary connection in the OT: John 3:3 (must be born again/from above), John 1:11-13 (right to become children of God is given to those who believe in Christ’s name), Matt. 3:1-9 (whole new system from the one of physical affiliation), Rom. 9:1-8 (not children of the flesh, but children of the promise counted as offspring), Gal. 3:7 (it is those of faith who are sons of Abraham).
- NT – Baptism is described by Paul as an expression of faith: Col. 2:8-12 (buried with Christ in baptism, raise with Him in baptism through faith…your own faith), 1 Pet. 3:21 (an appeal to God for a clean conscience). Reformers talked about knowledge, assent, and trust comprising true faith.
- OT theology of New Covenant rescinds infant inclusion: Jer. 31:31-34 (new covenant…not like the covenant made before. Under new covenant, God’s law written on hearts, all are forgiven, they shall all know God, He will be their God, they shall be His people). Inclusion in New Covenant demands knowledge, assent, & trust. People in the New Covenant do not turn away from God (Jer. 32:40). Where do we derive our model for Christ’s church? From the mixed multitude of old covenant, or from the perfected multitude of the new Jerusalem?
- Jesus is building His church on the confession of faith in Him (Matt. 16:13-18).
- Jesus tells us what to do in the Great Commission(Matt.28:18-20), “baptize them INTO the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
Murray: Baptism must be the same for infants as for adults.
Do our children have a hereditary right to salvation?
