The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Household Baptisms

Joe,

It has been my experience that many Credobaptists have grave concerns over the language used by many Paedobaptists, in that on the surface, it DOES appear that baptism and salvation are synonymous. Thus, to baptize an infant or an adult, in the case of Richard's view, connotes that salvation is infallibly promised and/or some salvific blessings are conferred. This concern is not confined to Credobaptists, as I too have found much to object to when I read such statements that have come from Paedobaptists. The problem I see here is that when we read, for example, "salvation has come to this house", one could wrongly assume that it means that each and every member of that household was saved. Or, that salvation would eventually come to each member of that household. I think this idea that "God generally saves entire families" only serves to exacerbate the chasm which separates Paedos and Credos. I personally find no biblical evidence that God saves "households". But contrariwise, when I read the O.T. record, it would seem that paradigmatically, the exact opposite is true. We read of this with the promise to Abraham, there was a bifurcation of that family (Isaac and Ismael). And again with Jacob and Esau. Actually, we see this even from the first with the children of Adam and Eve; i.e., Abel and Cain and again in the household of Noah.

What I believe is true is exemplified in the words of Peter:

Acts 2:37-39 (ASV) Now when they heard [this,] they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? And Peter [said] unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him.

Salvation is promised to 1) those who repent and believe upon Christ, and 2) as many as the Lord our God shall call. These two elements determine salvation; one being God's sovereign and infallible call and man's responsibility to respond to that call, which is the fruit of regeneration. There is no universal, infallible promise of salvation to households. The promise of God extends to those who belong to those who fall within the two qualifications of, 1) efficacious calling and 2) repentance and faith.

Now, this "individualism" is no less biblical than is the practice of baptizing "groups" (households). And in my view, this would include ONLY believing adults and their children. Although they do go hand in hand, despite the objections of Credobaptists, they are mutually exclusive when it comes to the promise of salvation.

Granted, if both sides would acknowledge the verity of what I hold to be true, this would not remove all the differences that exist between the two camps. But I do believe it would remove some of the differences and thus bring about a more irenic relationship between them.

That's my

In His Grace,