Recently we listened to a debate online on credobaptism (believers baptism) & paedobaptism (infant baptism) that included John MacArthur & R.C. Sproul.
I have some people I consider friends online that hold to paedobaptism who are reformed Presbyterians, but I believe in credobaptism.
The debate (scroll down a ways to get to the audio or links depending on your browser) did not change my mind about the Bible, but I did appreciate the civil nature that often seems to be lacking in discussions on this subject.
I know that we all hold strong views of our understanding of Scripture, and when we care about people we want them to have the same beliefs that we do.
I have determined in recent times to try to show love and grace toward people that I disagree with on this subject. I can't promise perfection though! For either side it puts people off when a respected pastor is attacked or when people call each other sinners when both sides agree that physical baptism does not save / justify. Disagreements can be polite, can't they?
For the record, I waited until I was 17 to be baptized. I could have been baptized earlier, but I do think that a lot of churches I've been to make baptism overly intimidating (which it shouldn't be). They want to interview you which makes you feel like you have to be worthy to be baptized (or have taken a class & made sure you have a testimony they are satisfied with). I understand that they want to see that you understand what the Gospel is, but they could just ask that.
I felt like my testimony wasn't good enough, because I became a Christian as a young child. I struggled with sin even as a believer. My faith has grown over the years, but I have also had times of doubt (because of sin & later long after baptism also getting my focus off God onto what critics say).
After awhile I felt guilty for waiting so long to be baptized. So, even as a credobaptist I believe that churches should baptize young children who have professed faith (and weren't forced into it).
I cried the evening I got baptized. I had memorized what I was going to say (which I would have said differently if it was now and not then). They were having us practice and mine didn't sound like what I thought they expected of me. (I did not enjoy making speeches in front of people either even when I had to for school - at one of the times when I wasn't being homeschooled. I'm not good at it and am rather shy.)
To my reformed Presbyterian friends: I hope that you will also show me Christian love and grace and not attack my former pastor John MacArthur, Jr. within my view or hearing.
I was willing to listen to both sides, so perhaps you will appreciate that.
I certainly appreciate you and have respect for you guys.
Thank you!
Part 1: Believers Baptism - John MacArthur
http://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/baptism_debate/credo-baptist-position/?format=audio
I have some people I consider friends online that hold to paedobaptism who are reformed Presbyterians, but I believe in credobaptism.
The debate (scroll down a ways to get to the audio or links depending on your browser) did not change my mind about the Bible, but I did appreciate the civil nature that often seems to be lacking in discussions on this subject.
I know that we all hold strong views of our understanding of Scripture, and when we care about people we want them to have the same beliefs that we do.
I have determined in recent times to try to show love and grace toward people that I disagree with on this subject. I can't promise perfection though! For either side it puts people off when a respected pastor is attacked or when people call each other sinners when both sides agree that physical baptism does not save / justify. Disagreements can be polite, can't they?
For the record, I waited until I was 17 to be baptized. I could have been baptized earlier, but I do think that a lot of churches I've been to make baptism overly intimidating (which it shouldn't be). They want to interview you which makes you feel like you have to be worthy to be baptized (or have taken a class & made sure you have a testimony they are satisfied with). I understand that they want to see that you understand what the Gospel is, but they could just ask that.
I felt like my testimony wasn't good enough, because I became a Christian as a young child. I struggled with sin even as a believer. My faith has grown over the years, but I have also had times of doubt (because of sin & later long after baptism also getting my focus off God onto what critics say).
After awhile I felt guilty for waiting so long to be baptized. So, even as a credobaptist I believe that churches should baptize young children who have professed faith (and weren't forced into it).
I cried the evening I got baptized. I had memorized what I was going to say (which I would have said differently if it was now and not then). They were having us practice and mine didn't sound like what I thought they expected of me. (I did not enjoy making speeches in front of people either even when I had to for school - at one of the times when I wasn't being homeschooled. I'm not good at it and am rather shy.)
To my reformed Presbyterian friends: I hope that you will also show me Christian love and grace and not attack my former pastor John MacArthur, Jr. within my view or hearing.
I was willing to listen to both sides, so perhaps you will appreciate that.
I certainly appreciate you and have respect for you guys.
Thank you!
Part 1: Believers Baptism - John MacArthur
http://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/baptism_debate/credo-baptist-position/?format=audio
Part 2: Infant Baptism - R.C. Sproul
http://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/baptism_debate/historic-paedo-baptist-position/
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.
But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.
Romans 2:28-29 NASB
For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
Galatians 6:15 NASB
