Trevin Wax reviews a book in which three authors defend alternative views on baptism. Sharing Trevin’s view as I do, I appreciate the questions that he raises, but also the gracious way in which he does so.
A number of Christian publishers have begun releasing books that include various essays and interaction between opposing viewpoints. Zondervan began with the “Counterpoint” series; Broadman & Holman now has a “Perspectives” series. Last year, IVP began a similar series, first publishing The Lord’s Supper: Five Views and now, Baptism: Three Views (2009).
The IVP book on baptism is unique in that it does not focus on all the different views within Christendom. Instead, the focus is squarely on the question most relevant to most evangelicals: Do we baptize infants or not?
Baptism: Three Views does not discuss baptismal regeneration (thus excluding the Churches of Christ, the Anglicans, and Roman Catholics from the conversation). But the narrow focus on adult versus infant baptism actually enhances the book by keeping the discussion pinpointed on the question of who should be baptized, not what is happening in the baptismal font.
Bruce Ware, a professor at Southern Seminary contributes an essay that explains the Baptist position. Sinclair Ferguson, the senior minister at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC, describes the infant baptism view. Anthony Lane, Professor of Historical Theology at London School of Theology, outlines a proposal he describes as “dual practice.”
When I first glanced at the table of contents, I thought to myself, Oh no! There are three views here – two of which are directly opposed and a third that appears to be a hybrid. I can already assume that the book will lead to the third view as the “best of both worlds.” Thankfully, this book stays much more objective than I anticipated. (Furthermore, Lane’s contribution is significant enough in its own right to be taken as a distinctly third view, not merely as a hybrid.)
Read the rest here.
I just think of one being baptised as a baby, and the impression that he was saved because of that. I personally believe that one must know what baptism means. Giving up the old life for a new life in Christ, and publically ackowledging it, is not something an infant can do. A person can go through baptism, accepting Christ as their savior, and still walk away, but I believe that always sticks with that person, and they will walk back to Him.