I discussed a number of topics on today's program. I spent the first half hour talking about the Reformed covenantal argument for infant baptism, and how we should approach this subject. I then answered a listener question about people who are called "righteous," and "blameless" in the Old Covenant. Finally, I addressed the Church of Christ's view of baptism.
Here is the program.
This is just a technicality, but Phinehas was not Jewish, at least if you are talking about the Phinehas who speared two people in a tent in the book of Numbers. He was of Aaron's line, and so a Levite.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, his story is more on the line of Abraham being justified by sacrificing his son, or Rahab for hiding the spies. Phinehas acted by killing the offenders. Perhaps in that early biblical language, trusting the promises can lead to actions, which can be described as justification in ways that we don't ordinarily use today.
I certainly don't have an issue seeing the language of justification regarding Phinehas in the same way that James uses it, as a vindication of one's faith.
ReplyDeleteJordan, it might be helpful to make this a more confessional discussion. You repeatedly speak of a "Presbyterian approach/perspective" why not then cite the Presbyterian confession/catechisms on baptism? This would make your talk less Jordan interacting with Jordan's take on the Presbyterians.
ReplyDeleteI deal with these Confessional distinctions in my upcoming book on Reformed theology.
ReplyDeleteI haven't done a thorough study of infant baptism in the church fathers, but for some reason, I do not recall direct links being made between baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit in what I have read. Could you point me to those references? Thanks
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