The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Baptist Child Dedication

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Geesh. How do you even counter something like this?

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Fred,

You don't! Such individuals are living according to the world, the flesh and the devil and thus words of wisdom which are found in the Word of God have no effect when there is no spiritual life. However, all that is required of us is to point out to such individuals, particularly those who make a profession of faith, that such behaviour is not of God and it demands repentance. One of the true marks of Christ's sheep is that they will love the brethren. Of course, Howard in all probability doesn't think that Spurgeon was a "brother in Christ", and thus he perhaps thinks he is warranted to cast such pejorative statements at the man as well as all Baptists.

I almost feel the need to apologize for Howard as I am no doubt just as offended and shocked by what he wrote as you are. I do hope you understand that Howard does NOT speak for the Board, it's Staff nor for any of its members, but he speaks only for himself.

In His Grace,

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I look upon baptists as brothers/sisters in Christ . Little brothers and sisters.

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So you look, more or less, down upon us because we are not like you? I don't take offense at things often or very easily, but I have to say that it bugs the excrement out of me when people are closed-minded like that. I get frustrated with some of the elder people in my church who think Baptists are going to be the only ones in heaven, and your attitude doesn't seem much different than their's...although maybe not to the same extreme. No offense is intended though by my post.

As far as baby dedications are concerned, I have seen a couple of them at the church I used to attend before taking the youth minister job I am at now. Frankly, I never understood what the point was. All they did was have the moms come to the front of the church, stand in a line across the front of the sanctuary, hold their babies, and then the church prayed for the families. I didn't think it was all bad but I didn't understand why they called it a dedication if they really didn't dedicate anything .

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If you read Pilgrims post carefully you will see him belittle ALL Presbyterian pastors.

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Perhaps it is YOU, Howard, that should read my post carefully as you will NOT find a summary belittling of ALL Presbyterian pastors anywhere. But, I am curious, Howard, whether you think that Presbyterian pastors above reproach just because they baptize infants?

Secondly, I personally do not recognize ANY infant as a "lamb", as that connotes that they are washed in the blood of Christ, justified and adopted as children of God, adopted into His kingdom. Baptized infants of believers are incorporated into an external covenantal relationship. Only those who are regenerated by the Holy Spirit own an internal relationship to the covenant of grace. I cannot and will not presume the salvation of anyone who hasn't confessed Christ.

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I dont know why some are so tetchy about it.

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It isn't the doctrinal issue that irritates some of us. Rather, it is your bigotry, lack of charity and love of the brethren who differ with your views which are not fundamental to the faith that we find most objectionable. I and others have brought this to your attention countless times, but our admonitions, corrections and rebukes have fallen upon "deaf ears". Our attempts to guide you to a biblical position are warranted. Your bigotry and constant summary castigations and character assassinations of people are not.

In His Grace,

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[color:"blue"]Pastors look after their flock which includes the baptism of "lambs".

Spurgeon never did this did he ? Then he neglected a great part of the flock .

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Which is more important: to baptise them and hope they come to a saving knowledge of the truth or raise them up in such a way where they are taught what the truth is so that they don't think they are somehow saved because some water was poured on them?

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[color:"blue"]I look upon baptists as brothers/sisters in Christ . Little brothers and sisters .

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Men like Spurgeon are clearly your "bigger" brothers in Christ, Howard. This discussion and others indicates that you need to learn to better exercise charity.

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (I Cor. 13.)