Dear Kyle,

One could graciously and openly make it plain that a rebaptism was principally for the sake of brethren in the church.

We live in an imperfect world where we cannot always find a bilbe centred reformed paedobaptist church in near us. At such times you simply have to choose between church membership and baptismal polity. I think the greater stumbling block is to give the impression that Christians can live fruitful, God-honouring lives outside of membership of the local church. Perhaps we would choose differently here, but clearly I think the biblical balance is as I have stated.

This perspective is also shared by the WCF which states that there is, ordinarily, no salvation apart from being a part of the visible church of Christ. (WCF XXV.1)

The WCF does not make the same strong statement about neglecting baptism. Although I would hold that the witholding of baptism from the infants of believers is a great sin, it does not prevent regeneration (WCF XXVIII.5) nor does the WCF contend that adult baptisms are invalid.

I was never contending for the fact of baptism as a matter of Christian liberty, but merely that we have more freedom over its timing than over church membership.

Yours in Christ,

James.