Truth Unites How Did Infant Baptism Begin? A Story of Five Centuries of Church History
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Jul 7, 2025 Explore the intriguing origins of infant baptism as Gavin Ortlund delves into its historical development within the early church. Discover the theological debates that shaped its practice and the complexities that arise in various Christian traditions. Gain insight into household baptisms in the New Testament and how they impact our understanding of faith. Reflect on the significance of child likeness in relation to entering God’s kingdom, alongside the evolution from adult to infant baptism through the centuries.
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Baptism Subject vs Meaning
- Baptism subjects differ from baptism meaning; infant baptism debates concern who should be baptized, not what baptism does.
- Early church history shows a gradual development of infant baptism, gaining prominence with Augustine in the 5th century.
Maintain Respect in Doctrine Debates
- Speak about secondary church doctrines with respect and avoid dismissiveness towards opposing views.
- Recognize godly Christians exist on both sides of baptism debates and maintain humility.
Advocate Unity, Not Condescension
- Pursue theological clarity with humility and avoid condescension when discussing baptism differences.
- Foster peaceable understanding among believers on secondary doctrines like baptism subjects.
