Required reading
Institutes of Christian religion by John Calvin (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 16 of Book 4 by reading sections 1 to 9.
My summary
This week Calvin begins to give his opinion on the subject of infant baptism.
Firstly Calvin parallels the sign of infant circumcision within the Abrahamic covenant to the sign of baptism within the new covenant.
Secondly Calvin says that Jesus welcoming the little children to him in Matthew 19 demonstrates that children should be welcomed to baptism.
Thirdly Calvin claims that early church history supports paedobaptism.
What grabbed me
Again, saddened as a Baptist to read Calvin's arguments in this area.
For example, Calvin opens himself up to attack with a statement like this: 'Hence we may conclude, that everything applicable to circumcision applies also to baptism, excepting always the difference in the visible ceremony.'
Yet God said to Abraham: 'Every male among you shall be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner--those who are not your offspring. Whether born in your household or bought with your money, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh is to be an everlasting covenant. (Gen 17:10-13)'
So Calvin, do you baptise your servants living in your household as Abraham circumcised his servants? Or are you inconsistent on this point?
Next week's readingContinue Chapter 16 of Book 4 by reading sections 10 to 22.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
No comments:
Post a Comment