Episode 47: Believer’s Baptism (Part 2): Argued From The New Testament with James Renihan
Jun 27, 2022
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Dr. James Renihan argues from the New Testament that baptism should be applied only to those who make a credible profession of faith. Topics include the New Testament's teachings on believer's baptism, the Jewish background of baptism, the availability of books on believer's baptism, contrasting perspectives on the children of believers, the meaning of holiness in 1 Corinthians 7:14, and the appropriate age for baptism.
Believer's baptism should be applied only to those who make a credible profession of faith in Jesus Christ.
The New Testament and historical practices support immersion as the proper mode of baptism.
Deep dives
Arguments for Believer's Baptism from the New Testament
Believer's baptism as taught in the New Testament is argued for by starting with John the Baptist's baptism and tracing the development of baptism chronologically. The Gospels, the book of Acts, and the Epistles all provide information that supports the practice of believer's baptism by immersion.
The Theological Argument for Believer's Baptism
Believer's baptism is not solely based on proof texts, but has a deeper theological foundation. It signifies faith in Christ's death and resurrection, union with Christ, and the washing away of sins. While proof texts like Matthew 28:19 are important, a more robust argument is found by considering the Old Testament background, the covenants, and the overall theological implications of baptism.
The Mode of Baptism: Immersion
The proper mode of baptism, according to the New Testament and historical practices, is immersion. Immersion symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and it has been commonly used throughout church history. While arguments for immersion are not solely based on specific proof texts, a careful study of linguistic treatments of baptism and the symbolism portrayed in the New Testament support immersion as the proper mode.
Viewing Infant Baptism and Non-Immersion Baptism
Infant baptism, according to believer's baptism principles, is not considered valid baptism. Those who were baptized as infants would need to be baptized upon profession of faith for their baptism to be considered valid. Regarding non-immersion baptism upon profession of faith, there are differing views among reform Baptists. Some argue that it is invalid and necessitates baptism by immersion for church membership, while others argue that it may be considered valid though not strictly meeting the legal specifications of immersion.
Episode 47 is the second in a six-part series on the doctrine of baptism. In this episode, Dr. James Renihan argues from the New Testament scriptures that baptism should be applied only to those who make a credible profession of faith in Jesus Christ.
Note: A mistake! Prof. Renihan meant to speak of Alexander Carson, rather than Abraham Booth! Sorry for the error. Here's a link to Carson's book.
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