TRUTH & UNITY

Both Baptists and paedo-baptists value biblical truth. This we have in common. The pages documenting the history of both sides of the issue of baptism record many struggles over the centuries to maintain orthodoxy. This is in response to the injunctions in Scripture to champion the truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 reads, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." Acts number 17:11 commends certain people by saying ". . . they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." Many more such passages could be referenced.

No one can say that the churches on one side of this issue value truth while the churches on the other side do not. 

Right alongside the critical concept of biblical truth is the matter of Christian unity. Unity within the body of Christ is also something that we must be prepared to go to great lengths to develop and to maintain. In Christ's high priestly prayer as recorded in John 17 Christ prays fervently for the unity of all believers. Ephesians 4 especially verses three and 13 call us to maintain the unity of the Spirit and of the faith. 1 Peter 3:8 calls us to have unity of mind. 

How can we have unity of mind when we differ so over a matter of such importance as baptism in the Christian church? 

As paedo-baptists it is our hope that these pages can contribute to the unity of Christians among the Baptist readers of this material.  It is hoped that even though most Baptist readers will more than likely not come to embrace infant baptism, they will at least see that it is possible for those who do practice the baptism of infants to do so without destroying the essence of personal saving faith. Should the material succeed in this goal, then these Baptist readers will know that Christ has in fact redeemed some of the members of paedo-baptist churches - believing Baptists have brothers and sisters in paedo-baptist fellowships. Even though we might remain divided over the matter of baptism we can still be united in a common commitment to the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ. 

Again, as paedo-baptists that unity of believers in paedo-baptist circles is sought by striving to help gain a clearer understanding of why infants of believers should be baptized. Conversely, this material strives to help eliminate wrong reasons for baptizing infants. Infants should not be baptized because it is believed their parents’ faith has saved them. Saving faith must be and always is personal. Infants should not be baptized because we presume they are saved. There is nothing to be gained by such a presumption. Infants should not be baptized because of tradition. Tradition is a tool to aid our understanding of God, it is not an end unto itself. Infants should not be baptized because the waters of baptism wash away their (original) sin. The physical waters of baptism do not save. Infants should not be baptized if neither of the parents is a Christian.

Infants of believers should be baptized because 1.) God is reaching out to them through His covenant and desires them to be saved and 2.) as Creator and Judge of the universe, God rightfully has a claim on their lives.

If you would like to contact us on this matter we would love to hear from you. To do so, go to Contact Us for our e-mail address. Please pray that this website will be able to contribute to truth and unity in the body of Christ.

Infant Baptism Main Page