At a cross roads in life

[bornagain]

There is an issue I am struggling with and hope that perhaps some here may be able to help.

I was raised Southern Baptist but have tired of some of the legalism. Having studied Daniel and the 70 weeks prophecy extensively I am no longer a fundamental premillennialist.

I'm not sure what I am any more, other than a born again believer in Jesus Christs death, burial and resurrection and Gods Word.

I am at a crossroads of sort and am looking for a church home for my family. I want to be faithful to Gods word but not legalistic.

My family really enjoys fellow shipping with a local Presbyterian congregation and would perhaps lead my family this direction, but have a problem with infant baptism. I also have an even greater problem with those congregations who would not baptize adult believers desiring to be obedient to the Word of God.

I do not believe baptism saves. I was a beggar who cried out to Jesus for mercy and He saved me. I was baptized after that, though I had been originally baptized after a profession of faith in Jesus when I was a child of 8. I ran from God for many, many years.

Please help, I am familiar with some of the reasons given for infant baptism in Acts and elsewhere, and the parallels to circumcision, but may not be the scholar some of you are. I've searched the forum and have not found this issue addressed with the depth that perhaps it needs and deserves to. Does Steve have a audio link or links that might help?

Struggling with this in Tennessee.

[wwalkeriv]

Bornagain:
I have been studying the same issue. I would recommend the book "The Water That Devides: Two Views on Baptism". It compares the specific issue of paedobaptism from the covenant theology perspective vs the baptist perspective. I found it very informative. I have still not reached a conclusion, but I am more educated now.

From thenarrowpath.com / topical lectures you might also like tapes 6 & 7 of "Foundations of the Christian Faith".

Hope this helps.

[Sean]

My family really enjoys fellow shipping with a local Presbyterian congregation and would perhaps lead my family this direction, but have a problem with infant baptism. I also have an even greater problem with those congregations who would not baptize adult believers desiring to be obedient to the Word of God.

I wouldn't concern myself with infant baptism. It won't hurt the child so for me it's not an issue. Now for those congregations who don't baptize adult believers who convert or realize that maybe infant baptism is nonsensical, that concerns me as well. I was discussing this issue with someone and showed them this verse:

Acts 19:1 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?”
So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”
4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

Why would Paul re-baptize people once they understood what was going on if in fact they really don't need to know what is going on (such is the case in infant baptism where they obviously have no idea whats going on)?

It would seem reasonable to baptize someone once they actually understand what they are being baptized into. Otherwise you are just getting the infant wet.

Additionally, It would seem that children are considered holy by their parents and not if they were baptized:

1 Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy (saints).

I know Steve has talked about the issue but I don't remember exactly where. Maybe his verse by verse teachings covering Acts 2?

[bornagain]

Thank you

[Sean]

Thank you

I'm not sure I really gave a thorough answer, are you sure I helped?

I've learned not to be overly concerned about certain issues that used to really bother me. Infant baptism doesn't make a decision for the child. And circumcision is not parallel to baptism, OT circumcision is parallel to NT circumcision of the heart, which requires hearing and believing, IMO. Even so, someone baptizing a baby isn't sinning.

I do think an adult should be baptized though, since this is the model we find throughout the new testament.

Is there another element of this issue you wish to discuss?

[bornagain]

This is a subject I am working through as I am my eschatological understanding and trying to figure out where I belong in fellowship. I was just thanking you for your response. How much it helped, I don't know but at least you chose to respond.

I am seeking scriptural basis for "infant" baptism vs. adult or (of age) "believers" baptism. I suppose some might claim they are both believers baptism. (Just a matter of who believes)

OT circumcision was something parents did by faith on behalf of their infant children, and thus the similarity or parallel to parents who would practice or perform infant baptism as a covenant sign of Gods promises.

I do agree the true circumcision is without hands, and one that is performed on our hearts. There are many elements to discuss and I couldn't find a thread here on it, perhaps if there is one I've missed or a audio or video I could use it to further my understanding.

I don't really have much to add or discuss on the issue as I am just trying to examine the theological nuances and scriptural reasons (mostly for the infant baptism or the refusal to "re baptize" adult believers who may have been previously "sprinkled or baptized".

Having been reared mostly in the Baptist denominations I am somewhat familiar with the believers baptism but am still learning each and every day.

Thank you again.

[bornagain]

Bornagain:
I have been studying the same issue. I would recommend the book "The Water That Devides: Two Views on Baptism". It compares the specific issue of paedobaptism from the covenant theology perspective vs the baptist perspective. I found it very informative. I have still not reached a conclusion, but I am more educated now.

From thenarrowpath.com / topical lectures you might also like tapes 6 & 7 of "Foundations of the Christian Faith".

Hope this helps.

Will check those out, thank you as well.