Infant Baptism | Douglas Wilson (Reformed Basics #15)

Summary

This video explores the theological debate between pedobaptism (infant baptism) and credobaptism (baptism based on a personal profession of faith). It discusses how these positions are rooted in interpretations of scripture and the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. Pedobaptists argue for the inclusion of children in the covenant, pointing to biblical texts about covenants and promises, while credobaptists emphasize the need for baptism to follow an individual’s personal faith declaration. The video emphasizes that religious controversies should be resolved through scripture, citing the Westminster Confession as guidance.

Takeaways

• 📖 Pedobaptism refers to the baptism of infants and children, while credobaptism refers to baptizing individuals after a personal profession of faith.
• 📜 The debate about infant baptism is grounded in interpretations of both the Old and New Testaments, as well as different assumptions about their continuity.
• ✝️ According to the Westminster Confession of Faith, all religious controversies should be settled by appeals to scripture.
• 🚼 No explicit examples of infant baptism or rejection of infant baptism are found in the New Testament.
• 📚 Credobaptists argue that the Old Testament only applies if the New Testament affirms it, while Pedobaptists believe the Old Testament applies unless the New Testament rejects it.
• 🌳 The Christian church is seen as a continuation of the covenant made with Abraham, and this impacts views on whether children should be included in baptism.
• 🔇 Pedobaptists argue that children were included in the covenant for 1800 years, and without a clear New Testament rejection, they should remain included.
• 🏠 First-century Judean assemblies were both synagogues and churches, reflecting continuity in membership practices for children of believing parents.
• ✂️ Colossians 2:11-12 draws parallels between physical circumcision and physical baptism, supporting the Pedobaptist view of baptism as a sign of covenant membership.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Jesus affirmed the spiritual status of infants, declaring 'of such is the kingdom of God,' which Pedobaptists interpret as grounds for including children in baptism.

Q & A

What do 'pedo' and 'credo' mean in the context of baptism?

'Pedo' comes from the Greek word for child, and 'credo' comes from the Latin word for 'I believe.' Pedo-baptism refers to the practice of infant baptism, while credo-baptism refers to baptizing individuals who can make a credible profession of faith on their own.

How does the Westminster Confession suggest resolving religious controversies?

The Westminster Confession states that all religious controversies should be resolved through an appeal to scripture, which is considered the supreme judge in matters of religion.

Are there explicit examples of infant baptism in the New Testament?

No, there are no explicit examples of infant baptism in the New Testament, nor are there clear rejections of it. The text does not provide a definitive example either for or against the practice.

What is the difference between how credo-baptists and pedo-baptists view the Old and New Testaments?

Credo-baptists believe that the Old Testament does not apply unless the New Testament affirms it, while pedo-baptists believe the Old Testament applies unless the New Testament specifically overrides it.

How do pedo-baptists and credo-baptists approach the issue of baptism differently when appealing to scripture?

Credo-baptists focus on texts about baptism, while pedo-baptists also consider passages about covenants, promises, olive trees, children, and other related topics to support their views.

What continuity does the pedo-baptist view find between the covenant with Abraham and the Christian church?

Pedo-baptists argue that the Christian church is a continuation of the covenant made with Abraham, where children were included. They reference Genesis 17:10-11 and Galatians 3:28-29 to support the idea that believers in Christ are considered Abraham's seed.

How do pedo-baptists use the argument from silence regarding the inclusion of children in the covenant?

Pedo-baptists argue that since children were included in the covenant for 1800 years, it would require explicit New Testament instruction to exclude them. Since no such instruction exists, they conclude that children should still be included.

What biblical status does Paul assign to children of at least one Christian parent in 1 Corinthians 7:14?

Paul states that children of at least one Christian parent are 'holy' or 'sanctified.' The Greek word used is 'hagios,' which is often translated as 'saints.' Pedo-baptists argue that this status implies they should be baptized.

How does the connection between circumcision and baptism support pedo-baptism according to Colossians 2:11-12?

Colossians 2:11-12 establishes a connection between spiritual circumcision and spiritual baptism. Pedo-baptists argue that if spiritual circumcision is connected to baptism, and circumcision included children in the covenant, then baptism should also include children.

What is the uncontroversial argument from status to sacrament regarding women and the Lord’s Supper?

Although there is no explicit New Testament example of women partaking in the Lord’s Supper, their status in Christ allows for reasoning that they should partake. Pedo-baptists use this same logic to argue for children’s inclusion in baptism.