Jeremiah 31 & the New Covenant vs. Infant Baptism

[Al Scholten]

Dr. Thomas Schreiner and Dr. Shawn Wright have edited the book "Believer's Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ" (B&H Publishing Group, Nashville, TN; series editor E. Ray Clendenen).

This book brings together perhaps the best case in the last number of years to be made against the practice of infant baptism.

In addition to the two editors the book contains contributions from nine other noteworthy theologians.

The book is endorsed by Daniel Aikin, Wayne Grudem and Bruce Ware.

Readers of this book will find a wealth of material on the subject of baptism. It is also written in a very congenial manner toward those with whom it disagrees.

This book counters covenant theology which is the theological foundation for the practice of infant baptism in Presbyterian and Reformed churches. Stephen Wellum states in the book:

Ultimately, if Baptists want to argue cogently against the paedobaptist viewpoint and for a believer's baptism, we must, in the end, respond to this covenantal argument. (Page 98.)
Does this book succeed in proving infant baptism unscriptural?

You are invited to join the postings that examine a variety of the main points from the book. The subjects taken up will be:

The Value of the Discussions
http://theologica.ning.com/forum/topics/the-new-covenant-vs-infant

BELIEVER'S BAPTISM - PRO

1. Summary of the book's overall position.
http://theologica.ning.com/forum/topics/the-book-believers-baptism

2. The Abrahamic Covenant Does Not Equal the New Covenant.

3. Covenant Theologians Incorrectly Reduce the Abrahamic Covenant to Spiritual Realities.

4. Covenant Theologians Consider the Genealogical Principle Unchanged in the New Testament.

5. The Promise of the Land Confines the Abrahamic Covenant to the Old Testament.

6. From "Tribal" Structure to "Priesthood of All Believers."

7. A Change in the Nature of the Covenant People.

8. Christ as Mediator Requires Change in Membership.


INFANT BAPTISM - PRO

9. The New Covenant Clearly Replaced the Mosaic Covenant.

10. Dr. Wellum on the New Covenant Replacing the Old Covenant.

11. Rev. Reisinger on the New Covenant Replacing the Old Covenant.

12. Promises to Abraham: Ended or Fulfilled.

13. Baptism is Not the Sign of the New Covenant.

14. There is New Testament Evidence that the Abrahamic Covenant Still Exists.

You are welcome to reply to this post if you have read the book or if you would like to comment on any of the above aspects.


A. Scholten


To see more material on this book, visit the Dialogos website at:

http://dialogos-studies.com/Dialogos/baptism/additional/Wellum_forum.htm

[John Roberts]

I understand Jeremiah 31 to be speaking of Christ millenial reign on earth.

[ModOptimus]

This post is more in line with a blog post, rather than a discussion forum question. Please repost in the blog area. If needed, please review our About Page and Rules of Engagement.

Thanks
ModOptimus
Theologica Moderator

[Al Scholten]

After reviewing your About Page again I can see where you are coming from. I would like to request permission to post the next in the string of these; the subsequent posts are directed more for open discussion, whereas the first one is kind of an overview.
Al

ModOptimus said:

This post is more in line with a blog post, rather than a discussion forum question. Please repost in the blog area. If needed, please review our About Page and Rules of Engagement.

Thanks
ModOptimus
Theologica Moderator