Since God was very specific regarding rules and consequences regarding circumcision, does it bother you at all that the same cannot be said for water baptism?

Thanks, Dan. I did listen to it while I was doing a few other things and couldn’t remember if that was discussed, nor did I have time to go through it for another hour! I wasn’t sure if most Lutheran synods follow the Reformed tradition, or if it mostly depended on specific congregations. Thanks for the reply, Dan!

If you haven’t listened to this podcast, you should. I did last night. I do believe they pointed out the difference between Lutheran and Reformed understanding of baptism. The Reformed do not believe that baptism in and of itself, is “salvific” (think I’ve heard that word before!). But hopefully someone from RF will chime in and offer their expertise. For now, I can say you were absolutely right to put up the red flag.

Does the book or the Reformed Forum site give any info about the differences between Reformed Presbyterian infant baptism and say, that of the Lutherans? My suspicion is that there may be differences, but curious about looking into this. I say that because I attended my nephew’s baptism at an ELCA Lutheran church (a denomination I disagree with very much!), and after they had administered the baptism, the pastor said, “Now Jackson has been sealed with the Holy Spirit forever” and went on to indicate that this was his salvation. RED FLAG! I am a Southern Baptist and am, in much of my theology, reformed, so I am patiently listening to the reformed side of the issues. Thanks!

I just finished a study of Keller’s on Mark (King’s Cross). It was like a study of the gospel according to Jesus, CS Lewis, Franz Kafka, Camus, and Kierkegaard.

I guess I’m just a dyed-in-the-wool credo, but I still love the reformed forum broadcasts. God bless you.

This makes me really happy as I’ve been wondering for a long time. The thought of NEEDING to be baptized again (as some have told me) so that I can be a legit Christian seems to me like works-based theology. Thank you, Mr. Hyde. I bought your book Jesus Loves the Little Children – looking forward to learning more.

First, what would make someone a minister of the word as opposed to what would disqualify a person? Second, what constitutes “lawfully ordained.”

Thanks,
Jeff Downs

Hello Alex,

Since you were baptized with water in the name of the Triune God as an infant [as was I] your first baptism is your baptism. God in his amazing grace brought the promise of the gospel signified in that baptism into reality later in your life.

Hello Jed,

It is my understanding of historic catholic and Reformed doctrine, that the baptizer does not invalidate baptism. An invalid baptism would be one without water and/or without the name of the Triune God.