The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Thoughts on 1Cor 7:12ff

I think Joe might have been referring to this statement which Steve made in this reply Steve's reply here where he wrote:

The Old Covenant may have included children, but it did not save them (Exod 33:19); rather it put the yoke of the law upon them ( Acts 15:10; Matt 11:29-30).

I can see how Joe might have understood Steve as saying what he did. What needs to be realized is that even Abraham wasn't save BECAUSE he was in the covenant, but rather the covenant was established historically with him AFTER he believed, although it was God's eternal purpose to save him. There is a difference in being part of the covenant community and being "in the covenant". This seems to be something Baptists either overlook or dismiss. All those who received the covenant sign, circumcision, were included in the covenant community, but only those who had faith were actually the "seed" of promise and in covenant with God. It is no less true in the New Covenant (administration); there are many who are part of the covenant community, but only some are actually in covenant with God. Even Baptists have to recognize this fact. How quickly Baptists try to defend their view of "believers baptism" by saying that not all who are baptized are saved.

The issue isn't who is saved in EITHER administration, for both sides agree that it is only by faith. The issue is, however, WHO is to be part of the covenant community and receive the sign of that administration. Paedobaptists believe that children are to CONTINUE to be recognized as such and Baptists place the restriction for admission to those who profess faith. The essence of the covenant, IMHO, is exactly the same. Children, although they are to be included in the New as they were for 1000's of years previously in the Old, STILL need to come to repentance and believe upon Christ unto salvation. So, what's the problem?

In His Grace,