Baptism as Effectual Means of Salvation

I know those words will create a visceral reaction in some. I'm sorry (not really). Those words aren't my own...and I'm not pulling them from a Catholic Catechism. In fact, they show up in a Baptist Catechism (from 1677)! Q. 98. How do Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become effectual means of salvation? A. Baptism … Continue reading Baptism as Effectual Means of Salvation

Covenant/Infant Baptism

I promised a post defending infant baptism, so here it is (notice I say defending it; not trying to push it upon anyone else who doesn't hold the same convictions I do). Interestingly, though I embrace infant baptism fully, none of my children were baptized as infants. There's several reasons for that, chief among them … Continue reading Covenant/Infant Baptism

Baptism as Initiatory Rite of New Covenant

So, what is baptism? Most evangelicals would say that it's a testimony to our faith or something along those lines. And it is that. But it's more. John Calvin taught that baptism "is the initiatory sign by which we are admitted to the fellowship of the church, that being ingrafted into Christ we may be … Continue reading Baptism as Initiatory Rite of New Covenant

Not All Christians will be Saved

The past few weeks I have had the privilege of being a part of some very good discussions in the Perspectives ACG on the topic of Eternal Security, Apostasy, etc. We've looked at several different ways the passages related to security (i.e. John 6:38-40; John 10:28-29; Romans 8:30; Philippians 1:6) and those which issue warnings … Continue reading Not All Christians will be Saved

Baptism: Water or Spirit?

This past week I had a great discussion (yeah, we'll call it a discussion) about baptism in two separate ACGs (one on Union with Christ and one on Eternal Security).  I stated that baptism is the initiatory rite of the New Covenant. Those who are baptized into Christ are members of the New Covenant people … Continue reading Baptism: Water or Spirit?