The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum HowWouldYouAnswerThis?

I think you misunderstand what the 1689 is saying.
With reference to baptism itself, the 1689 goes out of it way in XXVIII:2 to disagree with the WCF XXVII:IV and the Savoy which state that 'only a minister of the Word lawfully ordained' may dispense baptism or the Lord's Supper.

1689 XXVI:8 is speaking of the local church. Of course the Elders of the congregation have the duty to ensure that the ordinances are properly performed and this will normally mean that they administer them prsonally. However, in the situation that we are considering, there is no local church. In such circumstances, the word of God tells us very clearly that baptism was not delayed, but was administered by someone on the spot, usually the very person who had converted the one baptized. See Acts 8:39; 10:48; 16:14-15, 33; 22:16.

Nowhere do we read of a baptism being delayed until a 'lawfully ordained minister' can be found. The 1689 Confession speaks of those called according to the commission of Christ, not of men.

Steve