Subject: what is baptism |
Bible Note: Norrie: Actually, these are very commonly-held views in the Lutheran and Reformed traditions. The Westminster Confession of Faith, the Augsburg Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Belgic Confession (all of which are followed by evangelical denominations today) state that baptism is for believers and their children. For those holding to these confessions, the baptism does not save, but it is a mark of grace which sets a child apart as a member of God's covenant community, and they state that the normal operation of God is to bring the children of believers to faith in Christ. Here is how the Heidelberg Catechism puts it: "74. Q. Should infants, too, be baptized? A. Yes. Infants as well as adults belong to God's covenant and congregation. Through Christ's blood the redemption from sin and the Holy Spirit, who works faith, are promised to them no less than to adults. Therefore, by baptism, as sign of the covenant, they must be grafted into the Christian church and distinguished from the children of unbelievers. This was done in the old covenant by circumcision, in place of which baptism was instituted in the new covenant." The Scripture passages used to support this understanding are Gen. 17:7; Matt. 19:14; Ps. 22:11; Is. 44:1-3; Acts 2:38, 39; Acts 16:31; Acts 10:47; I Cor. 7:14; Gen. 17:9-14; Col. 2: 11-13 Now, of course, there are congregations that hold to the Reformation doctrines with the exception of their views of baptism and the Lord's supper. Many Baptist churches, for example, are Reformed in their outlook but practice believer's baptism. --Joe! |