Adult baptism

[katealpha]

Friends of mine just recently had a baby. He is Baptist, in fact his father is a minister. She is Church of England (Anglican). They told me they are still deciding whether or not to christen their baby. She said to me, "he's against it but I think he'll come round."

It made me realise that I don't understand why Baptists believe in adult baptism and are against infant baptism.

I'd be interested to know, so I can understand, if anyone would like to share.

Your Sister in Christ :crossrc:

[MsScarlett]

I hope someone more educated comes in and answers your question thoroughly, but until then...

We believe that we all must make a conscious decision to follow in the way of Jesus Christ. An infant can't make that decision. Young people can, though, so it isn't limited to adults. :wave:

[DeaconDean]

The thing is, valid arguments on both sides of the Baptism question can be offered.

Those in favor of predo-baptism (sp?) often use Jesus' words:

"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Mt. 19:14 (KJV)

Those against, often use Paul's words:

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." -Rom. 10:9-10 (KJV)

Now I myself am in favor of the latter. But I also realize that there are other factors which should be included but for the sake of this discussion, should be left out. (To shorten, rather than lengthen)

Now without offeding others, it has been my experience that most members of the General Baptist Association, comprised mostly of Northern Baptists, will support infant baptism.

Southern Baptists, however, traditionally support adult baptism. (credo-baptism)

Southern Baptist do, however, recognize the value of "christening" infants. Southern baptist view christening of infants as a solem ceremony in which the parents vow to raise the child according to Christian values and in light of Christian teachings.

It is a more a dedication of the parents to the Lord in the raising of the child, and a promise to the Lord to raise the child according to His word.

Southern Baptists such as myself, believe that it takes a confession of the risen Christ. Infant baptism leaves this doctrine out.

Like I said before, the issues run deep on both sides, but to sum it up, tradionally, since 1742, the oldest Baptist Association in America, has held to the idea that confession must precede baptism:

"Those who do actually profess repentance towards God, faith in and obedience to our Lord Jesus, are the only proper subjects of this ordinance."

The Philadelphia Confession of 1742

http://www.reformedreader.org/ccc/pc30.htm

I hope this helps.

God Bless

Till all are one.

[katealpha]

Ok, I don't know what Baptist background he exactly has, but it is obviously not one where infant baptism is the norm.

Thanks for the info about the various arguments for and against.

Yes, before I became confirmed (Catholic) I had to go to confession. Confirmation is the bit you do as an adult, so I can see maybe where that comes from. Obviously in the Catholic church you tend to have infant baptism, but then the rest is after people have attained the age of reason. I guess this is similar to the Anglican view as well.

[MsScarlett]

Katealpha, what little you just posted was news to me - thanks for sharing!

[DeaconDean]

Ok, I don't know what Baptist background he exactly has, but it is obviously not one where infant baptism is the norm.

Since I am the only "he" who has posted here, I'll safely assume you were talking about me.

My grandfather was a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church. My mother was baptized according to presbyterian doctrine.

Although none of my family are Catholic such as yourself, I am very familiar with "infant baptism."

The reson I did not offer arguments either for or against, is because I did not want to offend others, such as yourself, who support this idea.

Now, if you would have taken the time to actually read what I said, you would have seen:

Southern Baptists, however, traditionally support adult baptism. (credo-baptism)

Southern Baptist do, however, recognize the value of "christening" infants. Southern baptist view christening of infants as a solem ceremony in which the parents vow to raise the child according to Christian values and in light of Christian teachings.

It is a more a dedication of the parents to the Lord in the raising of the child, and a promise to the Lord to raise the child according to His word.

Southern Baptists such as myself, believe that it takes a confession of the risen Christ. Infant baptism leaves this doctrine out.


Now I have seminary education. Southern Baptist seminary education. So I think I do know a little something on this.

Yes, before I became confirmed (Catholic) I had to go to confession. Confirmation is the bit you do as an adult, so I can see maybe where that comes from. Obviously in the Catholic church you tend to have infant baptism, but then the rest is after people have attained the age of reason. I guess this is similar to the Anglican view as well.

I may not adhere to your line of beliefs, but I can respect them. However, I do take offense to what you said earlier.

I was trying to explain why we do what we do in the Baptist church, more specifically, the Southern Baptist church.

What may be a stumbling block to you is our view of confirmation is way different than yours.

Now, here is a link to a bunch of articles on both sides of the argument:

http://www.monergism.com/directory/search.php?action=search_links_simple&search_kind=and&phrase=baptism

Just so there is no mistaking, as a Southern Baptist, I do not follow paedo-baptism, I do follow and fully support credo-baptism.

If you disagree with me, fine, God Bless you in your convictions.

As you have yours, I have mine, and I must be faithful to mine as you are to yours.

I'm outta here.

God Bless

Till all are one.

[katealpha]

Sorry, by 'he' I meant my friend who is a Baptist - see my original post above.

Sorry for the confusion.

Humble in Christ.

[Epiphoskei]

Now without offeding others, it has been my experience that most members of the General Baptist Association, comprised mostly of Northern Baptists, will support infant baptism.

I've heard some such baptists who want to accept paedobaptisms as valid if the one who recieved it cannot in conscience believe that his or her sprinkling was not a baptism, but I don't believe there are any baptists who would support infant baptism itself.

[DeaconDean]

I've heard some such baptists who want to accept paedobaptisms as valid if the one who recieved it cannot in conscience believe that his or her sprinkling was not a baptism, but I don't believe there are any baptists who would support infant baptism itself.

Just to name a few of the Baptists that that i know of who did advocate infant baptism:

John Calvin (Note: although he wasn't a "Baptist" he is associated with the Reformed line of thought)
John Gill
Charles Hodge
Charles Spurgeon

Just to name a few of the more "famous" ones.

God Bless

Till all are one.

[Project 86]

Just to name a few of the Baptists that that i know of who did advocate infant baptism:

John Calvin (Note: although he wasn't a "Baptist" he is associated with the Reformed line of thought)
John Gill
Charles Hodge
Charles Spurgeon

Just to name a few of the more "famous" ones.

God Bless

Till all are one.

Are you sure Spurgeon advocated infant baptism? I did a quick search and found this on Wikipedia.

On June 5, 1862, Spurgeon also challenged many paedobaptist (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paedobaptist) Christian leaders when he preached against infant baptism in his most famous sermon called "Baptismal Regeneration" (http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0573.htm).

I find it sad that any Baptist would advocate infant Baptism. Many Baptists died because they refused to baptize infants and instead they baptized born again believers.

[Epiphoskei]

I've read some of spurgeon's works on the topic and he seems adamantly opposed to all paedobaptism. John Gill also wrote a work titled "Antipaedobaptism; or Infant-Baptism, an Innovation: Being a Reply to a late Pamphlet, entitled, 'Paedobaptism; or, A Defense of Infant-Baptism, in point of Antiquity, etc.’" So I'm not sure we can call him a supporter either.

[DeaconDean]

I've read some of spurgeon's works on the topic and he seems adamantly opposed to all paedobaptism. John Gill also wrote a work titled "Antipaedobaptism; or Infant-Baptism, an Innovation: Being a Reply to a late Pamphlet, entitled, 'Paedobaptism; or, A Defense of Infant-Baptism, in point of Antiquity, etc.’" So I'm not sure we can call him a supporter either.


And of course, if you wish to take the time to read Gill's works as I have, you can read his entire Body of Practical Divinity, and A Body of Practical Divinity here:

http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/gills_archive.htm#2

You were right on Gill, I must have read that wrong, my bad. I apologize.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon is quoted as saying:

"Other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid," and I do not think nor dream that there is a different foundation for the infant than that which is laid for the adult. And equally is it far from our minds to believe that infants go to heaven through baptism"

Infant Salvation, C.H. Spurgeon:

http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0411.htm

Sorry, but I have to disagree.

God Bless

Till all are one.

[Epiphoskei]

He's also recorded as saying
The addition of "infant baptism" to the Word of God--for it certainly is not there-- is fraught with mischief.

Without faith or even consciousness, as in the case of babes, how can spiritual benefits be connected with the sprinkling of water?

I'm pretty certain that spurgeon was not in favor of paedobaptism. I can't see why that quote you provided would indicate otherwise, since he is merely affirming infant salvation, and denying infant baptismal regeneration. That doesn't really touch on non-salvific paedobaptism at all.

[shrewdsnake]

Baptist believe that getting baptized is an outward expression of an inward condition. Christ was baptized to show His willingness to submit to God's will in His life. Getting baptized is done once one is saved as a symbol of that new birth and commitment. An infant hasn't and can't make that choice. Most Baptist I know have their children dedicated. That means they promise to raise them to know Christ.

[abelieverinChrist05]

The Bible does not teach or say anything about child baptism. The child is inocent and has a clean mind. The child does not know nothing. If you babtize the child it wont make no diffenrece. There is a certain age where it is right to get babtized

[rainbowpromises]

The Bible does not teach or say anything about child baptism. The child is inocent and has a clean mind. The child does not know nothing. If you babtize the child it wont make no diffenrece. There is a certain age where it is right to get babtized
I have raised 5 kids and let me tell you they figure out how to be bad pretty quick. I don't believe there is a certain age because every child grows and learns differently. Each person is accountable for themselves and should make the decision to follow Christ on their own. This is not something that their parents can decide for the. However the parents can make a commitment to raising their child for Christ.