Christian FoundationOpen questionThat it matters is settled; how and when is honestly disputed
What is baptism?
That baptism matters is not in dispute — Jesus commanded it, and the church has always obeyed. It is the public sign of belonging to Christ. But faithful Christians have honestly disagreed for centuries about how and when: believers on profession of faith, or the children of believers too. Here are both cases at their strongest. This is your first look at a question where good Christians differ — notice that it can be studied without fear.
Milk is foundational teaching; meat is heavier (Hebrews 5:12–14).
What Is Baptism, and How Important Is It?
John Piper · 45 minMilk
John Piper preaches on what baptism is and how important it is.
Two sides
Credobaptism vs Paedobaptism: should infants be baptized?
For
On Baptism (Augsburg Confession Article IX)
Dr. Jordan B Cooper · 59 minMeat
Lutheran theologian Jordan Cooper walks through Article IX of the Augsburg Confession — the historic Lutheran teaching on Holy Baptism, infants included, and what it means for the Christian life.
Against
A Biblical Analysis of Infant Baptism
Mike Winger · 1 h 5 minMeat
Mike Winger works through the key passages — the household baptisms in Acts, the parallel drawn between circumcision and baptism, and what baptism is in the New Testament — while treating it as a question Christians should not divide over.
Both sides
Hear both sides
Faithful Christians land on both sides of this. Here each side makes its full case, and we don't pick a winner. Listen carefully, weigh what you hear against Scripture, and hold your conclusion with charity toward those who see it differently.
A Lutheran and a Baptist Discuss Infant Baptism
Gavin Ortlund · 1 h 50 minMeat
Dr. Jordan Cooper (Lutheran) and Dr. Gavin Ortlund (Baptist) discuss who should be baptized, moderated by Austin Suggs of Gospel Simplicity — how each approaches the question, then the scriptural and historical arguments, and what follows from them.
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