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I saw this statement on baptism.
What do you think of this Article of Faith?
What
questions would you ask about this statement?
Thank
you.
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Danny
sing:
What do you think of this Article of Faith?
“We
believe that baptism is only properly administered to a person who is of
sufficient age and sensibilities to express belief and confidence in Jesus
Christ for the saving of his soul.”
Danny: This seems an attempt to avoid the crass error of infant baptism. While that is a laudable motive, I believe that what constitutes “sufficient age and sensibilities” or a proper “expression of belief and confidence” is highly debatable and as such would prove difficult to administer without controversy. I’m not offended by this statement’s effort to avoid baptizing a child who has no concept of what is going on, but I am not fond of this expression of the matter.
sing: What questions would you ask about this statement?
Danny:
I would want to know:
1.
How do you define a proper expression of belief and confidence in Jesus Christ?
Danny:
I’ve heard a lot expressed on this matter that makes me uncomfortable. What
constitutes the proper expression? Does it include an understanding of the
church? What about the Trinity? Does it include an understanding of
discipleship? If one says “Yes” to any of these questions (and others like
them) then what measure of understanding is required? Perhaps more to the
point, where does one substantiate their position on the matter from scripture?
These questions are more perplexing than some are willing to admit. As we pull
on those threads we may find ourselves unraveling the whole garment.
Danny:
I think it’s best to recognize that these are difficult questions to answer and
that gospel ministers are required to make judgment calls on such matters. For
example: a child who wants to get baptized because they saw their mother do it
and it looked fun splashing around in that water might receive different
consideration from one who has a simple profession of faith in God and a desire
to obey. Baptism should not be trivialized by administering it inappropriately,
neither should it be denied simply because a candidate lacks the understanding
that they will receive in discipleship. I’m comfortable stating that gospel
ministers make judgment calls in this regard and that we are held responsible
for our decisions. It seems helpful to note that there is no examples of a
believing child being denied baptism in the NT but men are rebuked for
disregarding the sincere desire of children to approach the Lord (Matthew
19:14). Neither observation is definitive on the administration of baptism, but
they do provide some directional guidance.
2. Why is there an “age” reference?
Danny:
Perhaps this is straining at gnats, but in the spirit of expressing my honest
concern about the statement, I would avoid any reference to “age.” I say this
largely because of what men often do with such references, not based on the
intent of the statement itself. Children grow at different rates and so
likewise does their spiritual maturity.
Danny: The Xyz Articles of Faith make the following statement on baptism:
“We
believe that Baptism and the Lord's supper are ordinances of Jesus Christ, and
that true
believers are the only subjects of
Baptism, and that immersion is the Apostolic mode.” (Matthew 28:19, John
3:22-23, John 22:17-20, Acts 8:3)
Danny: I am comfortable with this statement of the matter, though I recognize that it too is open to interpretation. Indeed, how one defines “true believers” is apt to generate a variety of opinions. May God give us wisdom in the administration of His ordinances such that we neither trivialize them nor withhold them from the little children who sincerely approach the Lord, for of such is the kingdom of God.
sing
Danny Thank you most kindly, Sir, for your helpful comment.
Robert
Danny, "True believers" is simple 1 John 5:1“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the
Christ is born of God: " we need not question their eternal destiny beyond
a profession.
Sing
Robert, what would be a believer that is not true, I.e. false?
Robert
sing, no such thing it's an oxymoron.
sing
Robert:
Why do you need to qualify the noun 'believer' with the adjective 'true'?
It's like saying a true man; then what is a man that is not true?
Robert
sing, I was responding to the Article of faith from Xyz Article of Faith that uses that
phrase, I wanted to clarify that point for future readers that this term used
by Calvinist's is used to continually judge others' eternal status in the church
is unscriptural.
Jackson
What
is the sufficient age and sensibility?
Is
this statement inferring that the belief and confidence in Jesus Christ is what
saves a sinner's soul?
Danny
Jackson
- In my experience, when that language is invoked it is in reference to eternal
salvation. As a result, that observation is another possible bone to pick with
the statement.
Jackson
Danny
exactly. See my DM, I go into a bit more detail.
Marty
Here
is what I think is the scriptural requirement:
"And
as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said,
See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If
thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I
believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to
stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the
eunuch; and he baptized him." (Acts 8:36-38)
Karl
As
one who was baptized at a very young age, being put under a microscope as to
whether my sensibilities and age were sufficient would have been crushing to my
spirit, and quite a stumbling block to my walk with the Lord. Age and
sensibility had nothing to do with it- nor did I- that faith that prompted me
forward to join the church was a gift solely of the Holy Ghost exclusive of
intellect or maturity, and it was simple and sincere and without the doubts
that such examining questions would have fostered in me. Thirty-one years later
I am extremely thankful that the church and pastor I had put no hierarchical
requirements on the faith God had given but just counted it a blessing and all
of Him, and welcomed me with open arms, glorifying the Lord for His work rather
than being impressed by age or sensibility. Just thought I’d share from
experience. Let the little children come unto Him!
Danny
Karl:
As one who was baptized at a very young age, being put under a microscope as to
whether my sensibilities and age were sufficient would have been crushing to my
spirit, and quite a stumbling block to my walk with the Lord.
Danny:
I can only imagine.
Karl:
Age and sensibility had nothing to do with it- nor did I- that faith that
prompted me forward to join the church was a gift solely of the Holy Ghost
exclusive of intellect or maturity, and it was simple and sincere and without
the doubts that such examining questions would have fostered in me.
Danny:
Well said. I don't doubt it. Interesting that the Lord addressed adults as
needing to receive the kingdom of God with the humility of a little child (Mark
10:15), while many today tell children they need to receive the kingdom of God
with the understanding of an adult. When you're preaching precisely the
opposite of what the Lord taught, it's time to reconsider.
Karl:
Thirty-one years later I am extremely thankful that the church and pastor I had
put no hierarchical requirements on the faith God had given but just counted it
a blessing and all of Him, and welcomed me with open arms, glorifying the Lord
for His work rather than being impressed by age or sensibility.
Danny:
Amen.
Karl:
Just thought I’d share from experience. Let the little children come unto Him!
Danny:
Thank you for sharing that experience.
