Hello, all!
I have a question in regards to the churches that practice infant baptism. I have greatly struggled with how to view them. I believe---and I know PFRS confesses---that baptism is the obedient response to the gospel; an act of faith and repentance. In the waters of baptism, we are washed of sins because we have come to God in repentance. This is the apostolic faith that was passed down to the saints. Still, there are many churches---the overwhelming majority---that practice infant immersion, believing that it too washes the stain of sin, bringing the child into the family of God. I do not believe that is the apostolic tradition, but was a relatively early perversion of apostolic doctrine. It became a reality in the churches, and retains a strong foothold.
So, with all that in mind, how do we view the infant baptism churches:
- Consider them outside of Christian communion because they pervert a significant doctrine of the faith? ( a practice that brings someone into Christ)
- Do we believe they are included in Christian communion, praying for God's mercy in this area? An example: God wanted Moses to speak for him, but Moses was afraid. God got angry at him, but still 'compromised' by letting Aaron speak for him. Do we believe that God is not pleased by the perversion of the truth of baptism, but that has he had mercy on the infant baptizers, even though they have not obeyed his command?
- Do we 'ride the fence' and not really think anything about it at all-----and just keep on praying for God's mercy on them and teaching the truth?
My overall feeling is that we must simply teach the truth. If we believe that salvation comes through faith/repentance in baptism, then we cannot go beyond what the Lord has delivered and take it upon ourselves to assume salvation at other times/methods. So, we can simply take the stance of teaching truth but in the end it remains unsatisfying to the heart when considering all of these churches that do not practice orthodox baptism. What do we think of them? Are they just out and out heretics? Are they just as bad as the Gnostics---that Irenaeus and Tertullian spoke of---in that they destroy true baptism which is regeneration to God? Can we hold firm the true teaching while still allowing them a place in the faith?
Hard questions. If I had to pick one of the three options……I would probably end up on #3 for now. But I do hate 'fence sitting.' I feel that all I can do is pray for God's mercy, teach the truth and simply don't hold firm convictions about specific churches that practice infant immersion.
What do you think? Is there a scripture or principle that we can apply here?
In Christ,
Brent
