Infant Baptism

Flyfree,

I was also a life long Lutheran up to a few months ago. I like to think I have a very good understanding of Lutheran Theology. Currently attending an ABC church and enjoying comning up to speed on Baptist's insights in to the bible.

God's Peace

 

Dear tryingtoudnerstand,

I studied every part of Lutheran theology for three years before reaching a decision. I also studied Baptist, Catholic, CRC, and several other doctrines.

I should say more specifically that I am interesting in learning what sir ed believes.

You will find that not all lutherans think alike, even within their own synods. The same thing goes for Baptists who argue and bicker all the time- just look at the rest of the board.

Until Next Post, Adam

[ September 29, 2001: Message edited by: flyfree432 ]

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by dailywalk:
Flyfree,

I was also a life long Lutheran up to a few months ago. I like to think I have a very good understanding of Lutheran Theology. Currently attending an ABC church and enjoying comning up to speed on Baptist's insights in to the bible.

God's Peace<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

no offense- you are not a lutheran and thus would not be very inclined to defend it's beliefs. As I told trying2understand, I am more interested in learning what sir ed has to say because there are many different beliefs even in the same denomination.

Until Next Post, Adam

 

Adam,

No offense taken, but I still very much consider myself a Lutheran. Luther had it right. However, his defense of infant baptism was more along the lines of, "that is the way the church has always done it for the last thousand years". I currently attend an ABC church, but that is more for my own interest in learning about the baptist faith. Sort of my own ecumenical journey. A project I have always wanted to do. You may want to check out a fairly recent book called, Martin Luther's Theology, by Bernhard Lohse. An oustanding one volume work on Luther's theology. It was the text for a summer class I took at a seminary this year. It can't be beat for a one volume work on Luther.

God's peace, and I will bow out of this thread.

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by flyfree432:
Dear tryingtoudnerstand,

You will find that not all lutherans think alike, even within their own synods. The same thing goes for Baptists who argue and bicker all the time- just look at the rest of the board.

[ September 29, 2001: Message edited by: flyfree432 ]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Adam, isn't all the disagreement over doctrine between Baptists a matter of concern to you?

Take the disagreement over the "elect". What is your belief on this? You once wrote that when you were baptized as a baby all you got was wet.

When you were baptized as an adult were you anything more than just wet if you are not one of the elect?

How do you know the difference?

Does any other group of Christians believe in the doctrine of the "elect"?

Important - no?

Ron

[ September 29, 2001: Message edited by: trying2understand ]

 

Dear trying2understand,

Actually it would worry me alot if Baptists didn't argue at all. By arguing we keep each other in the Word in which we learn more and more about God. There will never be a day here on earth that we all get along. But that day will come in heaven when we are singing praises to God- together. Also remember that I am not a Baptist. I do hold to alot of the doctrine (GARBC) BUT not all of it and don't label myself as a Baptist. I label myself after my Savior

Did my baptism as a believer save me? No. It had no affect like that. I gave a speech recently on my baptism. It was a very calm time of my life. I feel that my baptism was mainly between me and God and my submitting to His will in my life. Here is an interesting story: The day of my baptism there was a horrible storm outside. We (all who were to be baptized) thought it would be cancelled (something about how lightening and water do not mix ), and eventually it slowed down. When I got into the baptismal I looked out to the stain glass windows it was dark outside, but after I was baptized I looked back out and saw the sun pouring into the windows. That was a sign to me that I had done what God asked and submitted to his will in baptism.

I believe that God has elected those who will go to heaven, and at the same time I believe that all who call upon the Lord will be saved. Thus- if you call upon the Lord you are elect. I would NEVER tell anyone that they were not elect. God wishes that all men come to Him.

God Bless.

Until Next Post, Adam

 

Sir Ed, I told you ahile back that the Holy Spirit is like the wind blowing throughout the earth drawing people to Christ. But in terms of being indwelt by the Holy Spirit that happens when we trust Christ and our saved, in fact that is how we know we are saved because we are "new creations" now created for good works in Christ. "New" because something is different on the inside, The Holy Spirit is that difference. And once the Holy Spirit is in us he ain't going away!!
In Christ,
Brian

 

Adam said: <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> Case in Point: Luther believed that in order to be saved you MUST be baptized. It was a requirement (Luther's Large Catachism Part IV) <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not exactly. Remember that Luther was a Catholic monk. Even Catholic's don't believe the only way to Salvation requires Baptism.

Briguy, I agree.

 

Ed, stop agreeing with me, you're ruining my fun! - Just kidding brother,
In Christ,
Brian