Bill Roach on Acts 22:16

In this video, Bill Roach addresses whether or not Acts 22:16 teaches baptismal regeneration.

A Discussion of the Issues Surrounding Paedobaptism

Yeah, post this might get me in trouble with my Paedobaptist brethren, but here it goes. Over at The Conquering Truth podcast, there is good discussion on the problems with baptizing infants.

Recommended Reading:

The Fatal Flaw of the Theology Behind Infant Baptism by Jeffrey Johnson

The Baptism of Disciples Alone by Fred Malone

Book Review: The Complete Works of John Owen, Vol. 28: The Church, The Scriptures, and The Sacraments

Have you ever written to a famous person? When I younger, I wrote to Wil Wheaton who played Wesley Crusher on "Star Trek: The Next Generation." It was an assignment for school though I do not recall why this particular one was given to our class. I remember asking him some questions although I do not recall what I ask. I remember he wrote back and he did what celebrities do, he sent me a photo of himself. I did make an A on the assignment, which was one of the few things I got right as an 11-year-old. 

Have you ever written to a pastor or theologian to get his perspective on certain issues? I cannot recall but I know I asked a few on Twitter (now called X), but back in the day of John Owen, I am sure he got a lot of letters from people asking him questions.

In The Complete Works of John Owen, Vol 28: The Church, The Scriptures, and The Sacraments, Owen answers some questions given to him by specific people regarding topics surrounding the church, the Bible, the Lord's Supper, and Baptism. The first section deals with questions regarding the Bible. How the Bible came and the integrity of the scriptures.

The next sections address the Lord's Supper. Owen addresses the object of faith for the ordinance, the necessary preparation for observing the Lord's Supper, our duty to remember Christ's sufferings, and more. The final sections deal with how the church is supposed to work. Owen with topics such as church discipline and baptism. With baptism, Owen follow the Paedobaptism model which is followed by those in the Presbyterian church. 

Another great addition to this collection of John Owen's works. 

I received this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.

Sproul and MacArthur Debate on Baptism

The issue of Baptism has always been one of great debate in Reformed Theology. Should we baptize the children of believers or are believers only to be baptized? There have been a number of debates on this issue and I am not counting the ones on Twitter. Perhaps the one debate that is always recommended by Paedobaptists and Credobaptists alike is the one that took place between R.C. Sproul and John MacArthur. Not sure when this debate took place, but this one is a very clear discussion regardless of where you are on this topic.

The first video is the Paedobaptist position from R.C. Sproul and the next is the credobaptist position by John MacArthur (audio only):

Recommended Resources: 

Water Baptism from Sola Cast

An Analysis of Reformed Infant Baptism by Tom Hicks

The Baptism of Disciples Alone by Fred Malone

The Fatal Flaw: The Fatal Flaw of the Theology Behind Infant Baptism by Jeffrey Johnson

Fred Malone Discusses Baptism

On the Covenant Podcast, Fred Malone was featured in a two-part episode as he discusses baptism and the importance that the church realizes that Baptism is for Disciples Alone:

The Baptism of Disciples Alone with Fred Malone (Pt.1)

The Baptism of Disciples Alone with Fred Malone (Pt.2)

Recommended Resources:

Fred Malone's book that is discussed: The Baptism of Disciples Alone

The Fatal Flaw: The Fatal Flaw of the Theology Behind Infant Baptism by Jeffrey Johnson

Baptism Symbolizes Our Union with Christ

Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him (1 Peter 3:21-22).

The grammar in the opening of verse 21 is difficult. To simplify, we should probably understand it in this way: “which (water) now also saves you, (who) are the antitype (of Noah and his family)—(that is) baptism.” In other words, the experience of Noah and his family in the flood is the type of which Peter’s audience and their baptism is the antitype (antitypon). (R.T.)France is especially helpful here:

The essential principle of New Testament typology is that God works according to a regular pattern, so that what he has done in the past, as recorded in the Old Testament, can be expected to find its counterpart in his work in the decisive period of the New Testament. Thus persons, events and institutions of the Old Testament, which in themselves need have no forward reference, are cited as ‘types’, models of corresponding persons, events and institutions in the life of Christ and the Christian church. On this principle, then, . . . Peter takes the salvation of Noah in the flood as a model of the Christian’s salvation through baptism.

Peter immediately qualifies the sense in which baptism saves us: it is not by the physical action itself, in which dirt is removed from the body. In other words, the physical action of baptism has no intrinsic saving power. There is no mechanical relationship between being immersed in water and being forgiven. The only sense in which baptism saves, says Peter, is insofar as it provides the occasion for an “appeal to God for a good conscience.”

“Appeal” (ESV) is the translation of eperōtēma, which others render as “pledge.” If the former is accurate, the one being baptized “appeals” to God, on the basis of the death and resurrection of Christ (or more literally, “through” or “by means of,” if dia is instrumental; cf. 1:3), to cleanse one’s conscience and forgive one’s sins. In good faith or conscience we appeal to God for vindication, that we might be considered part of his victory won by Christ in the resurrection (3:21b). It is only in this light that God uses the water of baptism to save us—as it links us to Christ and his victory and promises.

The focus of verse 22 (based on the language of Ps. 110:1; cf. Acts 2:33; 5:31; Rom. 8:34; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3, 13; 10:12; 12:2) is the exaltation and ascension of the risen Savior, which signifies his complete subjugation of all fallen and rebellious demonic powers. “Angels, authorities, and powers” is standard NT language for the fallen demonic hosts (Rom. 8:38–39; 1 Cor. 15:24–27; Eph. 1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Col. 1:16; 2:10, 15). Their subjection to Christ is undoubtedly the content of his proclamation (1 Pet. 3:19)…By being baptized they are marked out as God’s chosen few, who, like Noah and his family, will be saved even when all those around them mock and slander them. Baptism is the symbol of their being united with Christ in his resurrection, as well as his defeat of the demonic hosts. Consequently, your baptism is the reminder of the victory in which you stand, the victory that Christ achieved by his death and resurrection and exaltation above all principalities and powers.

Adapted from ESV Expository Commentary: Hebrews-Revelation

Baptism is a Sign of Grace

Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him (1 Peter 3:21-22).

It is not the physical cleansing of water on the body in baptism that “saves,” but the appeal in faith to God for the cleansing of conscience. We are saved by grace received through faith; our salvation is not the result of works (Eph. 2:8–9).

Baptism is a tangible sign of the grace that brings us through the spiritual perils of this life, just as Noah’s family was brought through water to be saved by God’s mercy (1 Pet. 3:20–21). God delights to give this sign to those in his church who put their faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus as the means of washing away sins and purifying believers for God. When a church administers baptism, it indicates God’s pledge that the promises of grace secured by the risen Lord will apply when the condition of faith is met; the act does not accomplish salvation but rather indicates what God accomplishes through faith.

For the believers in Peter’s time, the significance of this pledge was the knowledge that they were made eternally secure by Christ’s work on their behalf. Faith linked them to the powerful working of Christ at God’s right hand, regardless of the trials and difficulties they faced in the world (v. 22). These same assurances secured by faith are indicated by our baptisms today.

Adapted from the ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible

Around The Web-March 20, 2019

New from CCEF: A Practical Theology of Emotions

Greg Gilbert- Assured- Discover Grace, Let Go of Guilt and Rest in Your Salvation from Equipping You In Grace

Be Christ-Centered, Not Just Gospel-Centered by Alex Kocman

Why Charismatics and Non-Charismatics Can Get Along by Thomas R Schreiner

Look! Look To Your Baptism! by Tim Challies

Why “We Need to Reach the Young People” Might Distract Your Church by Mike Leake

Biblical Masculinity, The Mystery of Christ & Repentance from the Sword and the Trowel

Message from the Shepherd's Conference 2019

10 Reasons Some Pastors are Mean by Chuck Lawless

Around The Web-February 27, 2019

WTS Books has a special going this week with Ligonier and Reformation Trust:

Reformation Study Bible

Selected Titles from Reformation Trust

Ligonier Teaching Series

Doctrine and Devotion on the James MacDonald story

3 Principles for Christian Political Engagement by Jared C Wilson

You Don’t Need to Be ‘Woke’ to Be Biblical: A Review of Eric Mason’s ‘Woke Church’ by Alex Kocman

5 Reasons People Walk Away From Church by Jesse Johnson

Regenerate Church Membership, Baptism of Disciples Alone & Coveting from The Sword and The Trowell

4 Ways Martin Luther Encourages Pastors to Pray by Mark Rogers

Jonathan Leeman gives advice to pastors on practicing church discipline for the first time.

Book Review: Baptism: Answers to Common Questions by Guy M. Richard

Baptism seems to be a hot topic and a heated debate between Baptists and Presbyterians. Some people felt they need to avoid the conversation altogether because it has resulted in name-calling and even broke relationship. You want to see some nasty debates, just check out Twitter some times.

I have read a few Baptism books over the years from both sides of the issue. Granted they are not heated debated, but they are a few I can walk away from that has not changed my view that Baptism is meant for believers only as the Bible clearly demonstrates. You may not agree with that, but it does not mean we cannot be brother and sisters just because we disagree. I know Guy M. Richard would say the same, which he did in his book on Baptism.

He expressed in the book that Baptism is and should be a family discussion. Yes, we will have different opinions on the matter, but that does not mean we should break fellowship because of it. He expressed that Reformed Baptists are still brothers and sisters in the Lord even though they may not agree with the teaching on Infant Baptism.

In this book, he shows us why he along with many Presbyterians why they believe the children of believers should be baptized. He reasons were clear and discussed in a manner where you did not feel like the enemy if you hold to Believer's Baptism. Richard does address why Baptists do not believer infants should be baptized and other difference we have in this issue.

This book is one that I would recommend to everyone (Baptists and Presbyterians) to read and have a healthy discussion on Baptism. I love that Richard was gracious to Baptists and understood where we are coming from on Baptism without resorting to backbiting. Has he changed my mind on Baptism? No, but I did appreciate what he wrote overall.

Thanks Reformation Trust for letting me review this book.

Around The Web-January 23, 2019

Foundations of the Christian Faith by James Montgomery Boice is 50% off

3 Reasons Definite Atonement is Basic to Biblical Missions by Alex Kocman

An Open Letter to the Timid Evangelist by Brian G Hedges

10 Reasons Racism Is Sin by Kevin DeYoung

50 Pastors, 50 Lessons from 50 Years of John Macarthur’s Ministry by Jordan Standridge

Pastors' Talk On Baptism

Out of the Depths by Dustin Benge

Around The Web-January 16, 2019

Books from the Short Studies on Biblical Theology are on sale at WTS Books

In China, they’re closing churches, jailing pastors – and even rewriting scripture

An Open Letter to Baptist Pastors Considering Open Membership

Why Are We Baptist, Bridge Out Ahead from Layman's Cup

When Discontent Sheep Show Up by Nick Kennicott

Ask Pastor John: Are Calvinists Inconsistent with Romans 9?

How To Kill A Church by Jared C Wilson

John MacArthur on how to counsel a Reformed mother who lives a husband who is a Roman Catholic

Around The Web-January 11, 2019

Beth Moore Under Fire, Says, 'Spending Time with God and Spending Time with the Bible Are Not the Same Thing'

Is Christianity a Life of Love, not a Doctrine? by Tom Hicks

Systematic Theology Review by Kevin DeYoung

Three Reasons to Never Say “I Would Never Do That” by Jordan Standridge

A Review of Circumcised by Water: A Baptist Response to the Practice of Infant Baptism by Cody Floate

Ask Pastor John: When Does Bible Neglect Become Sinful?

Cultivating Self-Control by Don Bailey

Chris Rosebrough addresses a sermon from Steven Furtick where there was not Exegesis but Narcigesis

Around The Web-October 19, 2018

Richard Gamble's 2 Volume set on The Whole Counsel of God is on sale at WTS Books

Catching Up on Events Since Travels to Scotland and Israel: Russell Moore, Brandi Miller, and Andy Stanley from James White

The Sword and The Trowel on the heart of the gospel, Traditional Theology & The SBC

Links regarding Baptism In The Early Church from Chris Whisonant

Doctrine and Devotion on The Persecuted Church

Pastor: Are You a CEO or a Christian Shepherd? from Michael Milton

8 Rules of Social Media Wisdom by Thomas Kidd

The Pastor’s Job Isn’t To Fix Things by Tim Challies

In this short video, Robert Godfrey explains faith comes from hearing the promises of the gospel

Around The Web-October 17, 2018

Justin Peters and KJV Only Discussion from Striving for Eternity

5 Myths about Calvinism by Greg Forester

From the Reformation 21 blog: The Statement on SJ&G Explained (I am sure more will be added to this list in the coming weeks)

Infographic: The Story of Redemption

Why Does Piper Avoid Politics and What’s Trending?

Baptism in the Early Church from Thomas Kidd and Justin Taylor

John Calvin and the Doctrine of Irresistible Grace by Keith Mathison

In this video, the question of the importance of Adam and Eve is explained

Around The Web-September 14, 2018

Favoritism in the Church by Kent Butterfield

A collection of posts on baptism from Chris Whisonant

Five Ways Jesus Changes Our Relationship to the Old Testament from John Piper

It’s Not Enough to Have Your Sins Forgiven: Why the Imputation of Christ’s Righteousness Is Essential by Matthew Barrett

What is Biblical Justice? by Joshua Sommer

4 Ways to Become an Effective Role Player in Your Church by Joseph Dicks

Book Review: It Takes A Church To Baptize by Scot McKnight

Baptism is a hot topic. If you have been on Twitter for a while, depending on who you follow, you know it to be true. Baptists have always given the defense for Believer's Baptism while other denominations have argued that infants of believing parents should be baptized.

There have been a number of books and articles written on both sides giving their reasons for why their mode of baptism is more Biblically accurate than the other. One such person is Scot McKnight, who believes that infant baptism is Biblical than what Baptists believe. He gives a general defense of infant baptism hoping to clear the minds of those doubting it in his latest book, It Takes a Church to Baptize: What the Bible Says about Infant Baptism.

McKnight states what led him to embrace infant baptism was the Bible, which is why he says the Bible gives a stellar defense for infant baptism. One thing he also stresses is that baptizing apart from the family, meaning the family of God, violates what baptism is all about. McKnight, an Anglican minister, goes through various passages to show support for infant baptism which are the same verses you hear from Presbyterians. He goes on to say baptism is not the gospel but the gospel is presented in baptism, which sounds more credo (Believer's Baptism) than paedo (Infant Baptism). McKnight writes that baptism is a public act pronouncing that God has done something for us, to which I say Amen as a credo Baptist. Keep in mind, this is a book about infant baptism.

McKnight digs into church history to show that infant baptism has been around for a long time. While that is true, I recall a statement from John Calvin that said the church in the beginning baptized by immersion and Calvin was a paedo Baptist. Church history can also show us that the earliest forms of paedo baptism took was in the 4th century while the earliest documents of church history shows us that credo baptism was the primary mode in the 3rd century. Of course, McKnight tries to point out that circumcision and baptism are the same which they are clearly not. Circumcision for Israel was to set them apart as a nation from the other nations. Baptism is our declaration of what Christ has done for us and we have been adopted into the family of God, which is based the finished work of Christ. Yes, the church is called a holy nation, but we are nation of different people groups, not one particular nation.

McKnight does say that baptism should be a family affair. Not just the child's family but the whole church. According to him, Anglicans made a big deal of baptism. I do agree that baptism needs to be a family affair where the church celebrates those who profess Christ as they pronounce the work of Christ in their lives.

McKnight points out that baptism reflects our union of Christ, which again sounds more like Believer's Baptism than Infant Baptism. If a baby has union with Christ before he/she professes faith, does that mean the baby is saved upon baptism? This is something Anglicans and Presbyterians would say no, but still does not make a lot of sense.

McKnight does make a compelling argument for Infant Baptism, but not a convincing one. Too many inconsistencies in the book regarding what Anglicans believe about Baptism. There were times that made you wonder if he was defending credo or paedo baptism. There were also times when I felt he was making infant baptism a primary issue more than a secondary issue. Meaning that infant baptism must be practice in the church or it is an affront to the gospel. Granted, baptism is an important doctrine and practice, but the mode, to most paedo and credo Baptists, is more of a secondary issue.

Thanks Baker Publishing for letting me review this book.

Around The Web-June 22, 2018

Have You Become What You Worship?: An interview with G.K. Beale

Differences Between the Qur’an and the Bible: An Introduction by Eric Davis

8 Habits of the Excellent Bible Teacher by Andrew Hess

If same-sex attraction is sinful, then what? by Denny Burk

6 Attitudes We Need When Studying the Bible by Erik Thoennes

Nate Pickowicz– Directions for a Candidate of the Ministry (The American Puritans Series) (Volume 2) from Equipping You In Grace

Does God Suffer? from Credo

H.B. Charles, Jr explains the importance of the Lord's Supper and Baptism

Around The Web-May 30, 2018

Order Redeeming Money by Paul Tripp and get free shipping plus other deals on books by Tripp

C. S. Lewis on Corporate Worship by Joe Rigney

Believing Jesus by Matt Sliger

Doctrine and Devotion begin a new series on the 1689 Baptist Confession of faith with The 1689 on Scripture (1.1)

It’s Submission, Not Subjection by Tim Challies

The Sin That Clings So Closely by Garrett Kell

True Satisfaction Is in Jesus Alone by Justin Huffman

H.B. Charles, Jr on what baptism and the Lord's Supper symbolizes

Around The Web-May 9, 2018

Spring Clearance Sale happening at WTS Books

The Reality of Disappointment by Jeremy Pierre

Richard Sibbes and the Centrality of the Heart by Mark Dever

What the Word of God Says About the Word of God, Book by Book by Jared C Wilson

Pastor, Don’t Avoid Uncomfortable Topics by Brett McCracken

How the Exodus Connects to Baptism & the Lord’s Supper by Andrew Wilson

Church Membership: Loving What Jesus Loves by David Prince

Jon Crist on 17 ways Christians say no. Maybe you have used one of these.