The Subjects Of Baptism

Baptism is part of the Lord's work. The church's ministry involves the practice of Trinitarian baptism. We hold an open position meaning members and ministers differ on the subject and mode of baptism. Some believe in paedo-baptism (infant baptism) and others hold to credo-baptism (baptism on personal confession of faith). There has not been uniformity on this issue in Reformed circles. Being open does not mean we believe in baptismal regeneration as that is a false teaching. A danger in being open is that we put the issue of baptism aside. So we have those who have never grappled with the truth and end up with people taking the Lord's Supper who have never been baptized. Every New Testament church is a baptist church because we must practice baptism. The open position does not mean the minister is to hide his own view. It does not mean he is obligated to violate his own conscience. If you do not agree, you don't have a right to abuse each other. We hold our view with respect and courtesy toward each other. So the question is who should the church baptize? believers only? or believers and their children? This message argues for the credo-baptist position

Reasons for holding to credo-baptism

1. It is a principle enshrined in the Great Commission.
   Mat 28:19
2. It is a pattern exemplified in the book of Acts.
   Every reference to baptism shows belief and conversion
   Acts 2:41; 8:12-13; 22:16; 16:31-34
3. Faith is an explicit prerequisite for baptism.
   Acts 8:36-37 ("If thou believest...thou mayest")
4. Baptism is a parallel to Old Testament circumcision
   Forgiveness can be known without ritual. Baptism like circumcision never brings someone into the covenant