The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Household Baptisms

Richard,

My standard of authority is first and foremost, as I will assume it is yours also, the infallible Word of God. Thus, my objections to the language used by the Westminster Standards, and the Dutch "Form for Infant Baptism", which to many teach presumptive regeneration. I also object to the view which believes that non-professing adults are to be baptized when the head of that household comes to faith. You have maintained that this has been the standard practice of the Reformers and Puritans, if I have understood you correctly. To my knowledge, which I admit is not infinite, i.e., I have not read EVERY single work written by every author during the period ranging between 1500-1800, yet I have not found any that have taught this. Again, this doesn't mean that NONE have held to this view, but rather of the MANY authors I have read, none of those have. So, that causes me to ask, how is it that you say this is the STANDARD view which was practiced, yet not one author I have read held to it? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/scratch1.gif" alt="" />

However, IF what you claim is true, then there are myriad men of God, some notable, e.g., Owen, Edwards, etc., who would fall under the odious charge of having "departed from the historic reformed understanding". Personally, I don't equate that as something negative. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/evilgrin.gif" alt="" /> I simply don't follow the teachings of men when those teachings cannot stand up to the understanding of God's infallible Word which I believe the Spirit has given me.

Quoting from various historic documents is all well and good, and something which I do also. But my arguments are first and foremost based upon the biblical text. And should any of these historic documents affirm the same, then I find great value in them.

So again, I say, that I seriously doubt we shall ever agree upon this subject as I find no biblical basis for the view you are espousing here. My specific disagreements would be: 1) In a household where the "head" (man) is a believer, all non-professing adults should be baptized, and 2) Children of believers are to be considered "Christian" and are "united to believers (and/or Christ)" before they make a profession of faith.

Thanks for the exchange. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

In His Grace,