Arguments against Presbyterian CT & Infant Baptism

[SovereignGrace]

Whenever the argument comes up about infant baptism, it will always come down to their CT, for they rely on the OT for their support of infant baptism. There is relatively little in the NT that supports their position. It seems to me that the Presbyterian position is only possible with their CT.

A friend of mine said something along the lines of that he can't see how God can change from having a strong inclusion for children within the OT covenant, to not in the NT.

How would you answer above and how would you reason against a Presbyterian on the subject of infant Baptism against common arguments you have heard?

After studying their IB stance, I am not as opposed to it as I once was. They do not hold it as being salvific in any way(as the RCC does), but its a sign that replaced the circumcision in the OT.

The late Dr. R.C. Sproul was baptized as an infant, saved later in life, and held to his infant baptism. I rejoice that, in my opinion, he is resting with his Lord.

 

[Mikey]

After studying their IB stance, I am not as opposed to it as I once was. They do not hold it as being salvific in any way(as the RCC does), but its a sign that replaced the circumcision in the OT.

The late Dr. R.C. Sproul was baptized as an infant, saved later in life, and held to his infant baptism. I rejoice that, in my opinion, he is resting with his Lord.

yes it's not as bad as that certainly and in no way does believing in IB have an affect on their salvation, and RC Sproul was indeed a godly man.
However there are some issues, I believe it is common for presbys to believe that their children - for they are within the covenant- are more likely to be saved because of it.

 

[Yeshua1]

from my understanding is that Presbyterians separate being in the covenant and salvation. that a person can be in the covenant and not be saved. They take how the covenant was in the OT, and in the OT they were the covenantal people but not all were saved, and see the NC having the same system.

Children to them would be under the external manifestation of the new Covenant, but would not be saved until faith in Jesus...

 

[Yeshua1]

After studying their IB stance, I am not as opposed to it as I once was. They do not hold it as being salvific in any way(as the RCC does), but its a sign that replaced the circumcision in the OT.

The late Dr. R.C. Sproul was baptized as an infant, saved later in life, and held to his infant baptism. I rejoice that, in my opinion, he is resting with his Lord.

There issome confusion, as sometimes it does seem that the children of saved fall under the election of salvation by watre baptism, as some see that promise in ! Corithians 7:14

 

[Mikey]

Children to them would be under the external manifestation of the new Covenant, but would not be saved until faith in Jesus...

yes that is true, but many see them as more likely to be saved since they are within the covenant.

 

[Reformed]

Whenever the argument comes up about infant baptism, it will always come down to their CT, for they rely on the OT for their support of infant baptism. There is relatively little in the NT that supports their position. It seems to me that the Presbyterian position is only possible with their CT.

Specifically, Presbyterians believe in the continuity of the Abrahamic Covenant. They also believe that the New Covenant is not really a new covenant, rather it is a refreshed or renewed Old Covenant.

 

[Covenanter]

Specifically, Presbyterians believe in the continuity of the Abrahamic Covenant. They also believe that the New Covenant is not really a new covenant, rather it is a refreshed or renewed Old Covenant.

THey'e got it backwards - the OC was a type of the Eternal Covenant in Jesus' blood, expressed as the promised New Covenant. There is no "halfway covenant."

20 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.​

The concept of the "halfway covenant" allowing the privileges of church membership for all baptised who were not living evil lives, and to present their children for baptism seems to be a consequence of infant baptism. Jonathan Edwards was dismissed from his Pastorate for rejecting that principle.

 

[Yeshua1]

yes that is true, but many see them as more likely to be saved since they are within the covenant.

True, but some do see either the Baptism brings us into the Kingdom, or else God elects to save kids of all saved parents!

 

[Yeshua1]

Specifically, Presbyterians believe in the continuity of the Abrahamic Covenant. They also believe that the New Covenant is not really a new covenant, rather it is a refreshed or renewed Old Covenant.

which is interesting, as to paul, the Holy Spirit residing in us now is the real sign of being in the NC now!