Each time a minister comes upon this doctrine he wonders whether to deal with it on a separate basis. Yet, and although the Anabaptists are not with us, there is still a misunderstanding of God's covenant and we MUST have a proper understanding of this subject.

We do NOT oppose the baptism of adults as a side note. But, it is not the main way God works in His Church and is an extraordinary thing that occurs. It may NOT take the place of infant baptism! When we baptize adults it is the same as confession (see baptism form.) But, the problem is when we are told we may NOT believe in infant baptism when we are told we may ONLY baptize when and if the children can make confession. You run into problems when you do NOT believe in infant baptism:

1. Have to explain circumcision in the Old Testament.

2. Apostle Paul discussion of the promise of God in generations.

3. How do you deal with a 12/13/14 year old that has not made confession if you have not baptized him or her? You MUST deal with them and their upbringing from a covenantal point of view! "From among us in continued generations.

The Bible does NOT differentiate between baptism and circumcision and even interchanges them at times...There is a covenant emphasis (Deut.6) when it comes to our children and it puts the emphasis on parents to raise them in the "sphere of God's covenant!" The Lord will have us promise this of us in regards to HIS children. Covenant faithfulness!!!

What about the cross lines that run through the Church? ("Not all Israel is Israel.") Baptism means that we believe the Word of God and although one may not grow to believe, baptism still leaves its mark. It is a solemn warning just as circumcision was and it can never be shaken.