The Baptism of Children by Emanuel Greenwald

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  • Do children have a right under the Gospel to Church-membership by Baptism?
    • 1 The Church-membership of children was directly instituted and positively commanded by the Lord himself as far back as the time of Abraham, in a covenant made with him, called expressly the Gospel, or covenant of grace, which Church-membership was not only not revoked by Jesus Christ, but was confirmed and established by him.
    • 2 Children are included in the promise connected with that covenant.
    • 3 Children are included in Christ’s invitation, and declared to he fit subjects for the New Testament Church or kingdom.
    • 4 Children are included in Christ’s original command commissioning and authorizing his ministers to administer the Sacrament of Baptism.
    • 5 Children are the lambs of Christ’s flock, as their parents are the sheep of his fold, and, therefore, their relation both to the Shepherd and to the flock forbids that they should be excluded from the fold.
    • 6 Children were included in the host of the Israelites as they were baptized unto Moses in their passage through the Red Sea, and which is declared to he an example or type of Christian Baptism.
    • 7 Children were included in the numerous family or household Baptisms that are recorded in the Scriptures.
    • 8 Children are included in the uniform practice of the universal Christian Church from the time of the apostles to the present time in the administration of Baptism.
  • Conclusions
    • 1 All persons who were baptized in their infancy may he satisfied with their Baptism.
    • 2 It is the duty of all parents to present their children for holy Baptism.
  • Upon the Consciences of Parents
    • 1 Christ’s command includes children. (Matt. 28:19)
    • 2 Baptism initiates into Christ’s Church. (John 3: 5)
    • 3 Baptism is in the place of circumcision. (Col. 2:11-13)
    • 4 Baptism is a means of regeneration.
    • 5 Baptism, like circumcision, brings the soul into covenant relation with God. (Gen. 17: 10)
    • 6 Infant Baptism must be practiced, because the promise is to the children. (Acts 2:38-39)
    • 7 Baptism is really a saving ordinance; not, of course, as a mere opus operatum, a mere manipulation of the hands. But in God’s economy it is a sacrament of saving efficacy, so says 1 Peter 3:21

     


     

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