circumcision and baptism

Read  pp. 755 - 761  in Institutes of Biblical Law.

Read Online

corresponding Rushdoony lectures

Listen to the R. J. Rushdoony lecture, Circumcision and Baptism, that corresponds with this section.

Video summary lecture (Andrea Schwartz)​

questions for thought & discussion

1. How does the practice of “baby dedication” mimic aspects of “infant baptism”?
2. In what way does this counterfeit practice do violence to the covenant?
3. Is the mode of baptism (sprinkling or immersion) as important as the fact of baptism?
4. Since baptized infants may fall away from the faith in their adulthood, is it better to not baptize them and thereby spare them the double threat of judgment?
5. Answer the charge that since children don’t ask to be baptized, they should not be accountable to “living up to the vows” taken for them by their parents or others.
6. If someone was baptized as a child as a matter of custom rather than a sincere faith by their parents, is their baptism invalid?  Should they be “re-baptized”?
7. How soon is too soon to baptize an infant? Explain.
8. Is it significant that circumcision was a covenant sign for male children only but baptism encompasses both male and female?  If so, what is the significance?
9. When parents take baptismal vows on behalf of their children and fail to disciple them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and live in an antinomian fashion, what result should they expect?
10. Are there any circumstances that infants should not be baptized?
11. Are the categories and classes of people the early church barred from baptism still applicable today? Why or why not?

application

​One of the surest ways to identify whether you understand a subject is to write a point of view paper (sometimes referred to as a position paper).  This exercise helps to unearth areas of confusion, uncertainty, and/or disagreement, many times revealing that a number of unanswered questions remain. Once completed, you may submit your paper for comments.
 
After formulating your position(s) on the subjects covered in each lesson, a good next step is to engage in conversation (with your spouse, children, parents, friends, or co-workers) to better hone your skill in communicating the concepts you have learned and are assimilating into your own thinking.  Do not be concerned about “messing up” or doing it the “wrong way” as you will do plenty of both!  As with anything worth doing, practice will refine this skill, which is vital in order to fulfill the Great Commission.  If you find you need some one-on-one interaction, you may submit a question or request an appointment.

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