Editorial -- By: Anonymous

Journal: Reformed Baptist Theological Review
Volume: RBTR 02:1 (Jan 2005)
Article: Editorial
Author: Anonymous


Editorial

RBTR II:1 is our humble attempt to address the issue of paedobaptism. We do so with fear and trembling. We are not interested in adding unedifying fuel to the fires of this controversy. We are not interested in hurling slanderous accusations toward our esteemed brothers and sisters in Christ or mean-spirited comments that question their exegetical abilities or sincerity. We are, however, interested in rigorous exegetical, theological, and historical interaction with paedobaptists to help further the discussion among us. We hope this issue displays our intentions. It is by no means exhaustive.

It is our opinion that Reformed Baptists are best suited to debate this issue with our paedobaptist brothers. The reason being is due to our substantial agreement with the covenant theology of the Westminster Confession of Faith. This can be readily seen in our confession of faith, the Second London Confession of Faith (1677/1689). Due to our commitment to the place of covenant in the redemptive purposes of God, we are able to stand on the same ground with paedobaptists on many fronts. However, our differences are evident. Reformed Baptists believe that the covenant theology of the Bible demands the baptism of disciples alone. This position, we believe, may be argued upon several fronts-exegetical, bilico-theological, and historical.

This issue of RBTR is a meager attempt at providing some of the grounds upon which we differ with paedobaptism and assert credobaptism. While attempting this, some of the articles will interact with the recent book published by P & R Publishing, The Case For Covenantal Infant Baptism. Where this is done, we attempt to cite references and interact with arguments. We trust that this issue will further the discussion of this vital issue and provide informative exegetical, theological, and historical material.

The first article is my attempt at a syntactical analysis and exegesis of Col. 2:11–12. Careful attention is devoted to the syntax of this pivotal text used by paedobaptists as a key NT witness to their position. The exegesis provided concludes that this text cannot be used to justify infant baptism.

Michael T. Renihan offers his second article on John Tombes, a forgotten figure of 17th Century England. Renihan discusses Tombes’ understanding of the Abrahamic Covenant as it relates to the subjects of baptism. It is a fascinating study of a too-often overlooked figure in history and understanding of the Abrahamic Covenant as it relates to baptism.

Robert P. Martin offers the first of a three-part series on the 2nd LCF and the doctrine of Christian baptism. The first installment covers the significance of Christian ba...

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