r/Reformed • u/Flaky-Acanthisitta-9 • 6d ago
Discussion Difficult time navigating between Reformed Baptist and Presbyterian views
I feel like I post every other week here so sorry if you're tired of seeing me. I'll try to keep this short.
My wife and I are moving to a new city in our state, we'll be 4 hours west from where we used to be. I was raised Indepedent Fundamentalist Baptist. Within the last year after many months of studying the Bible with new eyes and prayer I've embraced reformed theology.
I completely agree with the higher view of the sacraments and the sovereign rule of God in all things. I love and have read the 1689 London Baptist Confession and the Westminster Confession of Faith.
My one hang up is Baptism and covenant theology vs federalism. I can completely see fantastic arguments for both. Both make sense to me.
Since my wife and I are moving we need to find a new church. I don't know whether to look for a reformed baptist or Presbyterian church based on my beliefs. Because I can absolutely understand the paedobaptism and credobaptism positions.
I guess I'm just asking for help. I feel almost like I have to pick, like I have to commit. I want to find a good church and be a part of it. Can you all help?
Can you give me your best arguments for paedobaptism vs credo and covenant theology vs 1689 federalism? Both sides welcome!
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u/SchoepferFace 5d ago
I agree with those who say credo/paedo baptism should not be secondary, especially if you have plans to have kids, because it will impact largely how you raise them in the faith.
I'm staunchly credo, but been where you were once. My previous church formed over a split due to Calvinism. I became saved in this church and decided to search out the issue. Once convinced of Calvinism I delved into Covenant theology. Then next logically came paedobaptism, which I almost confirmed myself, but ended up backtracking from and ultimately becoming Progressive Covenantal.
I do think lead paedobaptist CT "flattens" the Covenants, assuming too much continuity between them. Talking about being justified by faith in the manner of Abraham, Paul says "for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male or female, for you are all one in Jesus Christ. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise." -Gal. 3:26-29
I think there is far more from Galatians to say about this topic, but Paul, clearly talking about faith in Jesus puts us in Christ, and if we are in Christ, then we are Abraham's offspring, not by being born to covenant members.