RTP 10: The Source of the Baptism Debate

In this episode of the Reasonable Theology podcast we tackle an important question:

"Why do Presbyterians baptize infants (paedobaptism) while Baptists only baptize professing believers (credobaptism)?"

Rather than present the arguments that each side give for their position, I want to help you understand the reasons behind the two positions.

As we'll see, baptism is not the central difference between Baptists and Presbyterians. Instead, the different conclusions reached on this issue are the result of different understandings of God’s covenants.

These denominations hold to their different views of baptism because they have come to different conclusions regarding the covenants of Scripture—specifically the Covenant of Grace and the New Covenant.

In this episode we’ll discuss:

• Why understanding the Covenant of Grace and the New Covenant is crucial for understanding the baptism debate
• How the Presbyterian view of these covenants lead to their views on baptizing believers and the infant children of believers
• How the Baptist view of these covenants lead them to baptize only professing believers
• Why comparing the Westminster Confession of Faith and the London Baptist Confession is useful in understanding the two positions

See the Show Notes for Additional Resources

If you enjoy the sermons and written works of CH Spurgeon, check out the all-new CHSpurgeon.com Here you'll find sermon audio as well as resources by and about the Prince of Preachers.

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