I’m Being Stalked By Infant Baptism
20 Jan
Should we baptise babies?
This is one debate where I’ve never really landed solidly on one side or the other – but right now - Infant Baptism is stalking me.
Do you have an opinion on infant baptism? Share it below.
Author and Baptist pastor Mark Dever says, that those evangelical Christians [Presbyterians, Anglicans, Reformed Churches, etc] who practice infant baptism are in “a sinful (though sincere) error” (9 Marks 09). This statement would offend many who hold to the infant baptism belief and practice (including some of his T4G buddies).
On the other hand, others within the evangelical community would say that not baptizing babies is a sin. Westminster Seminary California, Professor Scott Clark makes the counter point, “that believing parents [evangelical Christians] who refuse to baptize covenant children are sinning” (Heidelblog 09). This idea is consistent with the Westminster Confession, when it says that, “Although it be a great sin to contemn or neglect this ordinance [baptism], yet grace and salvation are not so inseparably annexed unto it” (Williamson 276). The old adage can be applied to say, you are darned if you baptize babies, and you’re darned if you don’t baptize babies (it’s a matter of perspective).
These two fiercely contested (and divisive) views of baptism that are prescribed to (in evangelical Churches) are believer’s baptism, and infant baptism. To escape the controversy that surrounds these views, someone might decide not to bother with baptism. This isn’t recommended due to the fact that it violates the command of Christ (Matthew 28:20). The only way that Christians can avoid sin by baptism, is to be certain that they are correct in their position on baptism.
Cheers!
Pastor Andrew Edmonds