Research Proposal Infant Baptaism v1.docx

1 John Calvin and Infant Baptism CHHI525: History of Christianity II December 10, 2022

2 Thesis Statement While infant baptism is controversial because the baby is not conscious of the decision and choice of becoming baptized, it is heavily disputed among the various branches of Christianity. John Calvin’s views of infant baptism prove that baptism for infants is enough to permit the act because baptism is for the new covenant.

3 Contents Thesis Statement ............................................................................................ 2 Introduction .................................................................................................... 4 Baptism .......................................................................................................... 5 Infant Baptism ................................................................................................ 7 Infant Baptism Opposition .............................................................................. 8 Infant Baptism Opinions ............................................................................... 10 Views of John Calvin’s ................................................................................... 11 Circumcision vs. Baptism ............................................................................. 12 Infants the Holy Seed ................................................................................... 13 Conclusion .................................................................................................... 15 Bibliography ................................................................................................. 16

4 Introduction A baptism is a form of ceremonial cleansing that is distinctive in many religions throughout time and location. In Christianity, it is a Christian ceremony of initiation and acceptance. When a person enters the waters of baptism, they are proclaimed the gospel message that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and lived again. John was branded “the Baptizer.” He was a prophet out in the deserts of Judea, where he baptized people in the River of Jordan that was north of the Dead Sea. The Bible accounts that Jews were baptized by John as a sign of repentance for their sins. 1 Jesus also instructed the disciples to baptize all in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and to teach each person to obey everything he had taught them (Matthew 28:19-20, NKJV). 2 One issue in doubt concerns those too young to understand what this means. Can infants be obedient? This proposal will disclose that John Calvin’s understandings of infant baptism prove that baptism for infants is sufficient to consider the performance. On the contrary, Calvin points out that Christ commands that the children be brought to him in the book Matthew, “But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (v 19:14). This research paper will review what the Word of God says concerning this topic. Then the paper will measure those views contradicting concerning the baptism of infants. Then it will observe the ideas that are for infant baptism. In conclusion, the research will look at John Calvin’s view on the topic. 1 Larry E. Dyer. Baptism: The Believer's First Obedience, Kregel Publications, 2020. 2 Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the New King James Version

5 Baptism Baptism speaks primarily of personal, public identification with Jesus Christ. This tells the mind that one must renew himself or be born again, meaning that one has killed off the old self and ascended as a new person. Paul states this in Romans 6:4, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” 3 Christian baptism is an act of submission, just as Jesus was baptized in compliance as part of the great commission. Jamieson states, “We need all this to understand what’s happening in Matthew 28’s Great Commission. First, Jesus reminds us that he has all authority in heaven and earth (v. 18). Next, he authorizes his disciples. to baptize and to make disciples in the name of the Father, himself, and the Spirit (v. 19).” 4 Obviously, in another part of the bible, Jesus commands that believers must be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, baptism will not relieve a person from their sins; Christ’s blood does this for those that believe. Jamieson also explains, “Through Christ, our sins are forgiven and cleansed; baptism signifies both.” 5 It has been stated that to be saved, you must acknowledge with your mouth and believe in your heart. Armstrong says, “something important about baptism itself. His baptism indicated for himself, like others, an entire consent of mind and heart to the truth”. 6 The Bible also states if you declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and that you believe in your 3 Ibid 4 Bobby Jamieson. Understanding Baptism, edited by Jonathan Leeman, B&H Publishing Group, 2016, 10. 5 Ibid, 12. 6 Tom Nettles, Richard L Pratt, John H. Armstrong, Understanding Four Views on Baptism, Zondervan, 2007, 24.

6 heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and is justified, and with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved (Romans 10:9-10 NKJV).” 7 Regarding infant baptism in today’s society, they are baptized based on the covenant with Abraham and should receive the signs that the covenant has not been canceled. Furthermore, it would be odd for children to be left out of the covenant when everything else moves in the direction of inclusion from the Old to the New Covenant. The presence of baptisms in the household shows that God also still handles the households as a unit and welcomes entire families into the church, coming together under the headship of Christ as the lord. McKnight states, “The Bible itself, shaped from the beginning by a rich covenant-based theology of family as the focal center of covenant life, forces us to think, by using “household,” that the faith of the initial believer renders the rest of the household fit for baptism.” 8 The most critical issue at hand is how an infant can put away their old self or the sins they have committed. McKnight “saw it as initiation, obedience, and identification with Jesus.” 9 How can you induct somebody into something without knowing or understanding what they are being introduced to? 7 Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the New King James Version 8 Scot McKnight. It Takes a Church to Baptize: What the Bible Says about Infant Baptism, Brazos Press, 2018. 45. 9 Ibid, 9

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