"Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity an in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15)(ESV).
We live in a society that places all of emphasis on the "individual." So, it is very easy for us to read through scripture and fall to notice the emphasis that is often places on entire households. Reread the passage above and pay attention to the references that are made to fathers and households. (Especially take note of the fact that Joshua spoke not only for himself, but also for his house). What implications does this make for our families today?
While reading tonight, I came across a quote that I think relates very well to this discussion:
"In the sight of God parents and children are one. The former are the authorized representatives of the latter; they act for them; they contract obligations in their name. In all cases, therefore, where parents can enter into covenant with God, they bring their children with them....It is vain to say that children cannot make contracts or take an oath. Their parents can act for them; and not only bring them under obligation, but secure for them the benefits of the covenants into which they vicariously enter. If a man joined the commonwealth of Israel he secured for his children the benefits of the theocracy, unless they willingly renounced them. And so when a believer adopts the covenant of grace, he brings his children within that covenant, in the sense that God promises to give them, in his own good time, all the benefits of redemption, provided they do not willingly renounce their baptismal engagements." --Charles Hodge, as quoted in Children of the Promise, p. 130.
So, what are your thoughts? The comment section is ready and waiting for you!
Thoughts on Faith, Family, Theology, and the Kitchen Sink
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5 comments:
Most likely we'll baptize Alora in the near future. I would love to talk to you about why we believe infant baptism is a biblical practice. I know that many people will disagree with our decision, but we are pursuaded that it is a duty that is required of Christian parents. Keep studying the Word. A word of advice: When studying about baptism, realize that the subject cannot be settled by looking up the word "baptism" in a concordance. Their are so many other concepts (such as family, covenant, circumcision, etc) that you must deal with also. Start with the OT before trying to move to the NT. We look forward to seeing you in May. Until then, study hard for school
Eric how far you have fallen :)
Ok,so im not exactly sure what infant baptism is for.Salvation?commitment? If you could let me know of some good articles on that, that'd be great! SO you guys have fully converted to presbyterians? Hmmm...Talk to you soon.
When each of us approach scripture, we come with certain presuppositions. For instance, while growing up I was taught that "calvinism" was wrong; yet, as I approached the Word, the Holy Spirit enabled me to see past my presuppositions, in order to see that the doctrines of grace are biblical. This is the same way I feel about the baptism issue. Because I was raised Baptist, I automatically dismissed infant baptism as "ridiculous." Yet, the issues involved with the discussion about baptism are much more complex. I do fear that many people will dismiss our decision as "absurd" or as Jonathan said, "fallen." (I think you were joking, right?) Yet, you can be assured that I have spent many hours in prayer, Bible Study, and reading...therefore, I did not come to this conclusion hastily. Honestly, I have struggled over the issue of infant baptism since I was in college. Yet, I was afraid talk about it with others. As with any doctrine, infant baptism is often misrepresented and misunderstood; so, I would like to explain why we have moved in this direction. Hopefully, I'll post about our decision in the near future. I'll also try to send you some information about it.
Yeah I was kidding I don't think ya'll are apostates. But this is issue is extremely arguable from both sides. From my studies I personally do not believe in infant baptisim I am Creedo. But like all issues such as infant baptisim,calvinism,and the such I do not believe it is essential to believe in to be a Christian so let's not tear apart the body about it. So I don't really care if you do baptise Alora or not that is your believe and it is not vital to the faith. But I am always thinking about ya'll and praying for you God bless!
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