Required reading
Institutes of Christian religion by John Calvin (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude Chapter 16 of Book 4.
My summary
This week Calvin concludes his refutations of challenges to paedobaptism.
Firstly he deals with the allegation that there is no instance in the apostolic age of any one having been admitted to baptism without a previous profession of faith and repentance.
Secondly Calvin says that there is no argument against infant baptism from the words of Jesus to Nicodemus in John 3.
Thirdly Calvin argues against those who say that all who die unbaptised are eternally destroyed.
Fourthly Calvin refutes the teaching that Jesus taught in Matthew 28 that those who baptised should be taught first.
Fifthly Calvin says that there is no place for paedocommunion simply because there is a place for paedobaptism.
Lastly Calvin deals with a stack of arguments against infant baptism from Servetus.
What grabbed me
A number of the arguments today I would never use as a case against infant baptism.
But I was interested to read Calvin's conclusion at the end on why infant baptism is opposed: 'No sound man, I presume, can now doubt how rashly the Church is disturbed by those who excite quarrels and disturbances because of pædobaptism. For it is of importance to observe what Satan means by all this craft—viz. to rob us of the singular blessing of confidence and spiritual joy, which is hence to be derived, and in so far to detract from the glory of the divine goodness. For how sweet is it to pious minds to be assured not only by word, but even by ocular demonstration, that they are so much in favour with their heavenly Father, that he interests himself in their prosperity! Here we may see how he acts towards us as a most provident parent, not ceasing to care for us even after our death, but consulting and providing for our children. Ought not our whole heart to be stirred up within us, as David’s was (Ps. 48:11), to bless his name for such a manifestation of goodness? Doubtless the design of Satan in assaulting pædobaptism with all his forces is to keep out of view, and gradually efface, that attestation of divine grace which the promise itself presents to our eyes. In this way, not only would men be impiously ungrateful for the mercy of God, but be less careful in training their children to piety. For it is no slight stimulus to us to bring them up in the fear of God, and the observance of his law, when we reflect, that from their birth they have been considered and acknowledged by him as his children. Wherefore, if we would not maliciously obscure the kindness of God, let us present to him our infants, to whom he has assigned a place among his friends and family, that is, the members of the Church. '
I do think this is a big part of why infant baptism is so popular - it reassures the parent everything is alright with their child.
When sadly it may not be the case at all.
Next week's reading
Commence Chapter 17 of Book 4 by reading sections 1 to 19.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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