Blogging through Baptism

As a general rule of thumb, I never agree to anything before I understand it.  However, that has not applied to all areas of my life as I was baptised as a baby.  Historically,  I have accepted the doctrine know as paedobaptism (“infant baptism”) but, due to a sermon from John Piper, began to question it.  Since then, I have talked to numerous people, read sermons and articles from both sides but have not been able to come to a decision which rests my mind.  In discussion on this topic with a Pastor yesterday he suggested I check Systematic Theology by Grudem as it would present both sides while incorporating a detailed look at Scriptures and Church history.  However, in the first paragraph Grudem has on this topics, he writes “The position advocated in this chapter is Baptistic—namely, that baptism is appropriately administered only to those who give a believable profession of faith in Jesus Christ”   but goes on to say “we shall interact particularly with the paedobaptist (“infant baptist”) position as advocated by Louis Berkhof in his Systematic Theology since this is a careful and responsible representation of the paedobaptist position, and it is in a widely used systematic theology text.”  Which, upon reflection, is a positive thing.  This allows me to pull from 2 resources of great quality each with opposite leanings towards opposing views.  Therefore, I cannot accuse myself of only reading one view and assuming it and will sleep better in my “re”baptism, or baptising my child due in April.  Not to mention the fact that I have Berkhof’s book already and have been looking for an occasion to study from it.  

To help with this process, I have decided to blog it.  This will allow me to think through the Scripture and arguments ensuring I understand them.  I take this careful approach because ether conclusion results in practical implications of which are necessarily difficult.  Therefore, I want to be sure I am sure and be able to defend/teach that which I am sure of.

I hope to start posting tomorrow and in closing I leave you with wise words from Grudem:

Before beginning our discussion of baptism we must recognize that there has been historically, and is today, a strong difference of viewpoint among evangelical Christians regarding this subject. The position advocated in this book  (and this blog) is that baptism is not a “major” doctrine that should be the basis of division among genuine Christians,but it is nonetheless a matter of importance for ordinary church life, and it is appropriate that we give it full consideration.