The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Reformed Baptists differ from Covenant theology

It has been said that the Reformed Baptists disagree with Covenant theology in how it views the covenants under the Covenant of Grace. That is the covenants of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and the New Covenant. Instead of viewing these covenants as administrations of the Covenant of Grace, they see them as witnesses of grace.

The best way I can understand the difference between administration and witnesses is using the Lord's Supper. Witnesses is akin to memorial, whereas administration is akin to the spiritual presence. Administration actually does something; witnesses does not.

Is that a fair assessment?

Actually John, Covenant Theology views baptism and the Lord's Supper as "sacraments" vs "ordinances" within the administration of the Covenant of Grace. Yes, something does happen when a true believer is the recipient, although those holding to "presumptive regeneration" which I find more than odious as do Baptists, believe that even unbelieving 'covenant children' are recipients of God's grace in baptism. Anyway, as there are those who hold to Covenant Theology which disagree on various aspects of it there are Baptists who likewise disagree on certain aspects of their view of Covenant Theology. The majority of members here I have estimated to be credo-Baptists or some form of Baptist, thus one or more should be able to answer your question much better than I.

Pilgrim
Though there are differences of opinion within Reformed Baptists, generally speaking Reformed Baptists generally differ from those who hold to the WCF on the subject of what CT entails.

Also for the most part those of the 1689 LBCF (namely 1689 Federalists) variety have really no problem using the word “sacraments” when referring to baptism and the Lord’s supper. As opposed to the ordinance.
They generally however, do so while trying to separate what they mean from Roman Catholics use of the term “sacraments”. Yes, in doing so, they have received the ire of some other Baptists.

I am a bit long winded at explaining these kinds of things; so I have provide a few links.
I do not want this (at least for me) to get into a debate. So I give these links for information only.

However, if you believe they are not appropriate on this forum, by all means remove them.

https://credomag.com/2014/05/the-lords-supper-a-means-of-grace-richard-c-barcellos/?amp

https://www.1689federalism.com/portfolio/1689-v-wcf/



Tom