Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace

Is Baptism Equivalent to Circumcision?
The renowned author Paul Jewett now turns his critical attention to the practice of infant baptism. Jewett does not accept the traditional "covenant" argument for baptizing infants, and this book explains why he believes this argument fails. Infant baptism is not a topic that can be isolated from other theological issues, because it is intimately related to the sacraments in general and, as such, to the entire doctrine of the Church. Therefore, it is understandable that what appears to be a minor theological question has had such divisive effects on the church.

Jewett's critique begins with a discussion of the historical origin of infant baptism, and presents issues such as the distinction between infants and children in the early church, the silence of the church fathers on the subject, among others.

The second part examines the theological question, focusing specifically on the covenant argument, which suggests that baptism replaces circumcision as a sign of the covenant and, therefore, should be administered to infants. This argument, Jewett asserts, fails to account for the historical character of revelation and contains certain contradictions. Jewett concludes with a creative defense of believers' baptism that is theologically responsible and recognizes the profound truths of covenant theology.

“A careful and provocative study of Reformed theology in relation to one of the most perplexing inheritances bequeathed to us by the Reformers... It is based on the most careful and comprehensive studies of biblical and theological evidence known to me.” Robert S. Paul. Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Paul K. Jewett, was Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary and Dean of the Young Life Institute of Theology. He is the author of many books and one of the most recognized theologians of our time.

Pages: 320
Dimensions: 15 x 23 cms
ISBN: 9786125034069