Book Critique: The Believer’s Baptism
This paper aims at summarizing, analyzing and critiquing the text “Believer’s Baptism: sign of the New Covenant in Christ”. The analysis involves a brief summary of the major ideas and themes of the text and then a critique that explores the authors’ goal, and the strengths and weakness of their arguments. In the book, Wright and Schreiner purpose to dispel the idea of paedobaptism in reformed Christianity. The two enlist the assistance of other scholars in investigating baptism from different perspectives including scriptural, theological and historical perspectives. The text, therefore, objectively records the biblical background while quoting the sentiments of Marcel, Murray and Calvin who are fathers of reformation. Through scripture exegesis, the scholars details the early church practices and theology so as to eventually restore baptism as major liturgical act in Christianity and as only meant only to those who believes in the Lord.
Summary
The fundamental contention put forward by Schreiner and Wright is based on evangelical perspective that baptism is practice that is only reserved for those who believe in the Lord. Baptism is presented as an initiation rite for believers into Christianity and those who disregard its importance are “imposing their own categories onto the scripture instead of listening to the scriptures …”[1] The practice is important specifically because it goes hand in hand with gospel and Christ saving works that he accomplished through death and resurrection. The authors’ work involves exploring the history of the church and scriptures in their quest to infant baptism and the notion that baptism is only meant for those who belief in Jesus Christ. In particular, the authors seek to address the paedobaptism that is associated with reformed tradition, where infants are baptized not after the knowledge and belief in the renewing nature of baptism, but due to the belief that the practice will include the subject into the covenant community. In reference to the study of “bapti” a word from Greek by Andreas J. Kostenberger, in relation to the Great Commission in Mathew 28:18-20 , baptism is defined as meant for people who repent , as important to discipleship and is carried out through immersion.
In Kostenberger conclusion, the practice “presupposes that the recipients of baptism and teaching are of sufficient age and maturity that they can consciously choose to be baptized and be instructed in the principles of the Christian faith”[2]. This view forms the basis of ecumenical debate concerning baptism; if true baptism requires a believer’s renewal in the Lord that through faith, any type of infant baptism is void. The tensions arising from baptism topic can basically be reduced to theological view of people who see baptism as being sacramental, which is possible for children by covenantal right without personal rational choice, in comparison to people who perceive the practice as interactive.
Another goal of the authors involves the issues of baptism and salvation, forgiveness, in relation to age and the right response when a person is required to provide answers related to such questions. Also, the authors aim at cultivating s higher sense of unity of believers within Christ body. The text also includes an assessment of how Reformed Peadobaptists theology was formed.
Critical interaction
It is apparent from the outline of the book that the content significantly contributes to literature on the baptism of the believer. A proper understanding of the issue addressed by Schreiner and Wright requires a person to basically understand some terms. Baptism is defined as plunging, sinking or immersing. Credobaptism involves administration of baptism on people who have confessed faith and penitence. Paedobaptism involves baptism of infants within the Reformed tradition not on the basis of infant’s faith but believing that they will be blessed when they hear gospel as they grow in the church[3]. The thesis of the authors involves a belief in Credobaptism and related baptism regeneration, where they aim at scripturally arguing against infant baptism because he or she has not capacity to decide so to respond to God’s word.
Andreas Kostenberger offers a historical context of credobaptism starting with the Gospel account and especially those that precisely highlight the creation of baptism practice. It is clearly demonstrated by each gospel that the baptism of the believers is the proper theology and as A.T Robertson illustrates “the Gospels provide no evidence or support for the baptism of infants, the notion of baptismal regeneration, nor does the principle of believer’s baptism enunciated in the Gospels allow for such a practice.”[4] An analysis of Luke and Acts by Robert H. Stein demonstrate the role of God in the practice and argues against baptismal renewal and that this practice leads to forgiveness of sins. His argument is that the people who can be baptized are those who, after hearing the preaching of the gospel, respond with faith and penitence and proceeds voluntarily to the baptism place. As per the New Testament, baptism indicates dying and being buried to sin, then resurrecting to renewed life, and this is a representation of a changed heart but not a process that leads to spiritual change. The implied picture would be lost if something else comes in its place[5]. This indicates a promotion of credobaptism.
Schreiner exploration of the epistles shows how the practice of baptism can be related to washing, sealing, and the history of redemption and whether it is only meant for believers. The emphasis of the authors is that Baptism should be for people put their trust in Christ and confessed their sins for salvation. There is only one baptism through which believers are unified (Ephesians 4:5). The aim of Paul in this verse is to justify the practice of Baptism and the main emphasis being unity while clarifying that that it is not limited to some social or ethnic group. The Galatians 3:27 illustrates that there is a close relation between a person’s faith and baptism. Moreover , Ronald Fung illustrate that in this case Baptism is shown as an initiation rite into the Lord where one is united with Christ or related to what would result in such union[6]. The view counters the Peadobaptist’s claim concerning the grace of God and the importance of human response in the process, and this supports the argument by Schriener and Wright. In spite of the argument for paedobaptism, there is major problem based on the failure to have a correct understanding of the right relationship between convents and given that a proper covenantal approach to Biblical scripture requires the believer to affirm through baptism. It is a sign that the converts are untied with the Lord, by grace via faith and benefits arising from such union[7]. The argument greatly contributes towards defending credobaptism. However, some paedobaptists have a reason to depart from the biblical doctrine of baptism. The fear of permitting baptism by water to be almost equal to the role of God’s grace in the heart of sinner as may be understood from New Testament’s passages that seems to closely link salvation and baptism have made many to avoid baptizing instead of leaving a room for the notion that the practice is integral in the conversion experience[8].
The argument by Schreiner and Wright in that baptism is for believers gets its strength from the support it receives from biblical interpretation and especially by the evangelicals. The paedobaptists on the other hand argues from the church history point of view and the importance of faith in linking the Old Testament covenants and New Testament Covenant. The authors thoroughly analyze the historical and scriptural areas which indicate a strong commitment a basis and this makes their arguments more convincing. Their work includes theological and biblical material and many significant historical issues that are extensively and thoroughly covered[9]. This enabled the authors to attain their goal of proving invalid the practice of infant baptism that has been upheld by Reformed tradition. The extensive quotations, for instance, enable them to demonstrate positions taken by reformers and which are different but with a logical leap aimed at embracing[10]. These strengths help to counter any drawbacks that may be found within their arguments.
The Baptism debate causes a division over the notion of the practice in the contemporary church, where on side views baptism as leading relationship with God through faith after one’s rational decision. This view is out rightly supported by Schreiner and Wright. Hall, in the text ‘Worshiping with the Church Fathers’, supports the sacramental idea but argues about the likelihood of accommodating both ideas[11]. He indicates that the infant is not precluded from confessing a heart based conversion after being baptized. The weakness in Schreiner and Wright’s work is that they fail to take into account this notion. The closest the authors came to considering the proposition is acknowledging Randy Booth theme outlined in “Children of the Promise” text: the Abrahamic Convent recipients needed “cleansing, regeneration and justification” and the benefits of the covenant were received by faith in the coming redeemer[12].
In the real world, ministers can use the work as a primer on baptism ordinance. The book clearly lays a historical and biblical foundation for the practice of baptism and why it should be practiced. The last chapter specifically provides much advice for modern practitioners in Christ’s ministry, since it aims at issuing guidance on matters that are controversial to modern Christianity. The author addresses issues such as, to whom the baptism practice should be administered, the process of doing it and the responsibility of the candidate and the church. It also deals with when the practice should be done, especially in regard to a person’s coming forward and the carrying out of ordinance. While dealing with modern believers, these are issues that every minister will encounter and the book offers good advice on how one should proceed. In addition, the authors explore the issue of relationship between the Lord and those who have not been baptized, membership of the church and dealing with baptism from other churches. The need of faith in administering baptism is an important aspect in the ministry and especially in regard to conscious faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. In this regard, the book offers a proper exegetical background that can be used by those who are ministering. The major issue that arises in this case involves the possible different views if the book was authored in conjunction with scholars from other faith denominations. Would the idea of baptism be more accommodative to larger groups of people? In relation to the authors’ support for credobaptism, what is the right mode of baptism considering that immersion is widely promoted by the proponents of this idea?
Conclusion
The work by Schreiner and Wright is admirable since it explores the theological basis of baptism and the challenges associated with Paedobaptism doctrine. Specifically, they clearly demonstrated and supported their opinion that baptism is meant for those who have repented and believed in Christ and honors the death and resurrection of Christ as basis of their faith. At a time when the world where the Christian faith is awash with opposing doctrines , the book present a scriptural discussion of baptism and its role in producing unity with Christ’s body. They attain their goal of demonstrating the authenticity of credobaptism in relation to challenges of paedobaptism. They also fairly explore the arguments of the opposing sides.
Bibliography
Schreiner, Thomas R., and Shawn D. Wright, eds. Believer's baptism: sign of the new covenant in Christ. Vol. 2. B&H Publishing Group, 2006. 60.230,240,610
- Robertson, “Baptism, Baptist View,” International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (Chicago: IL, Howard-Severance Co., 1915), 1:416-417.
R.E.O. White, “Baptize, Baptism,” in Baker Theological Dictionary of the Bible, ed. Walter Elwell (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1996), 50.
Ronald Y. K. Fung, The New International Commentary on the New Testament – The Epistle to the Galatians (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1998), 172.
Hall, Christopher A. Worshiping with the Church Fathers. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic,
- Kindle. 60
Robert E. Sagers, “Believer’s Baptism B: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ. Edited by Thomas R. Schreiner and Shawn D. Wright. Nashville”, Baptist Theology, accessed August 2, 2015,http://www.baptisttheology.org/book-reviews/believere28099s-baptism/.
[1] Schreiner, Thomas R., and Shawn D. Wright, eds. Believer's baptism: sign of the new covenant in Christ. Vol. 2. B&H Publishing Group, 2006.1
[2] Schreiner, Thomas R., and Shawn D. Wright, eds. Believer's baptism: sign of the new covenant in Christ. Vol. 2. B&H Publishing Group, 2006. 610
[3] R.E.O. White, “Baptize, Baptism,” in Baker Theological Dictionary of the Bible, ed. Walter Elwell (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1996), 50.
[4] T. Robertson, “Baptism, Baptist View,” International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (Chicago: IL, Howard-Severance Co., 1915), 1:416-417
[5] Schreiner, Thomas R., and Shawn D. Wright, eds. Believer's baptism: sign of the new covenant in Christ. Vol. 2. B&H Publishing Group, 2006
[6] Ronald Y. K. Fung, The New International Commentary on the New Testament – The Epistle to the Galatians (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1998), 172.
[7] Schreiner, Thomas R., and Shawn D. Wright, eds. Believer's baptism: sign of the new covenant in Christ. Vol. 2. B&H Publishing Group, 2006. 65
[8] Schreiner, Thomas R., and Shawn D. Wright, eds. Believer's baptism: sign of the new covenant in Christ. Vol. 2. B&H Publishing Group, 2006. 205
[9] Robert E. Sagers, “Believer’s Baptism B: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ. Edited by Thomas R. Schreiner and Shawn D. Wright. Nashville”, Baptist Theology, accessed August 2, 2015,http://www.baptisttheology.org/book-reviews/believere28099s-baptism/.
[10] Schreiner, Thomas R., and Shawn D. Wright, eds. Believer's baptism: sign of the new covenant in Christ. Vol. 2. B&H Publishing Group, 2006
[11] Hall, Christopher A. Worshiping with the Church Fathers. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic,
- Kindle. 60
[12] Hall, Christopher A. Worshiping with the Church Fathers. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic,
- Kindle. 60
