From paedobaptism to credobaptism

I wholeheartedly recommend this concise treatment of the biblical teaching on believer's baptism. Dr. Crampton has come to hold these convictions after a thorough study of both biblical teaching and the theological arguments presented on both sides of this debate. Convinced that the basic definition of baptism given by The Westminster Confession is correct, he proceeds to show that the inclusion of infants is not consistent with that definition. He demonstrates that paedobaptist apologists show considerable differences among themselves, which justifies the conclusion that “infant baptism has been a practice in search of a theology.” His treatment of the topics is thorough and lucid. He is aware of the way the debate has been argued over the centuries. His arguments are tenacious, but always irenic. This book should have a wide circulation.
Dr. Robert W. Oliver
Retired Pastor, Old Baptist Church in Bradford on Avon,
United Kingdom
Professor, London Theological Seminary
Associate Professor of Church History,
Westminster Theological Seminary
Professor, John Owen Centre
Author of History of the English Calvinistic Baptists 1771‑1892

A man of conviction is a scarce commodity. Too often we are tempted by the comfort of our life circumstances and refuse to count the cost of pursuing truth and defending it. In this book, Dr. Gary Crampton explains how he pursued truth and defends the biblical doctrine of believer's baptism. At the end of a process that lasted two decades, after prayerful contemplation and investigation of God's Word, theological tomes, and all accompanying material, he has published this defense of his convictions.
This is a compelling book. It evidences a relentless pursuit of truth, driven by a disturbing premise: Dr. Crampton could find no basis for infant baptism in the Holy Scriptures. It speaks in his favor that this reality led him to examine all aspects of this doctrine, and to conclude that his former belief and practice did not conform to the standard of truth. It should be a helpful challenge to our dear paedobaptist friends, whom I call to study, contemplate, and examine this work. Oh, that more men would follow this example!
Dr. James M. Renihan
Dean and Professor of Historical Theology,
Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies
Author of Building and Beauty: The Practical Ecclesiology of the
English Particular Baptists, 1675‑1705

It takes courage to argue that The Westminster Standards contradict themselves in their teachings on baptism. Gary Crampton is a very courageous man. He comments in his second chapter:
The definition of baptism given by the Standards, which is completely biblical, does not allow for infant baptism. This is the argument of this monograph. A biblical analysis of the definition of baptism given by the Westminster Assembly will confirm the argument.
In my opinion, Crampton is not only courageous, but also right. In the historical Westminster Standards, an evangelical understanding of Christianity and the remnants of a sacramentalist understanding can be seen. May many seriously consider whether Crampton is right in thinking that the paedobaptism of The Westminster Standards is one of those remnants.
Samuel E. Waldron
Academic Dean and Resident Professor of
Systematic Theology and Historical Theology,
Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary,
Owensboro, Kentucky, USA
Author of the Exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith

Pages: 168

Dimensions: 13.9 x 21.5 x 1.1 cm

ISBN: 9789942896506