AGR: The Case for Infant Baptism: It’s for You and Your Children

Rev. Chris Gordon and Rev. Dan Borvan discuss the Reformed view of infant baptism, emphasizing its historical roots and its identity as a sign of God's covenantal promise to believers and their children. The episode explores the profound comfort this doctrine provides parents, particularly concerning the salvation of children who die in infancy.

Description:
Rev. Chris Gordon and Rev. Dan Borvan discuss the Reformed view of infant baptism, emphasizing its historical roots and its identity as a sign of God's covenantal promise to believers and their children. The episode explores the profound comfort this doctrine provides parents, particularly concerning the salvation of children who die in infancy.

Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction to the History of Infant Baptism
00:00:58 - Addressing the "Hot Topic" of Baptism in a Baptist Culture
00:02:59 - The Reformation and Early Church Views on the Covenant
00:03:36 - Historical Reasons for Withholding Baptism in the Early Church
00:04:52 - Acts 2 and Including Children in Covenant Promises
00:05:52 - Comfort from the Canons of Dort for Grieving Parents
00:06:23 - Understanding Children of Believers as "Holy" (1 Cor 7)
00:07:04 - Baptism as a Sign and Seal, Not a Saving Act
00:07:45 - Contrasting Reformed Baptism with Roman Catholic Practice
00:08:36 - The Election and Salvation of Infants

Guest Information:
Rev. Dr. Daniel Borvan is the pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church. He earned his Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Historical Theology from Westminster Seminary California in 2011. His academic work included a thesis on Faustus Socinus. You can find him on X at @danborvan or visit his church website at christreformed.org.

Mentions:

- William Wall: Author of a historical work on the history of infant baptism.
- Westminster Confession of Faith: Cited regarding the importance of not withholding baptism.
- NAPARC (North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council): Mentioned regarding the size of confessional reformed denominations.
- Canons of Dort: Article 1.17 regarding the salvation of infants of believers.
- Heidelberg Catechism: Question 74 mentioned regarding the inclusion of infants in the covenant.
- 1 Corinthians 7: Scripture cited to define children of believers as "holy".
- Acts 2: Scripture cited regarding covenant promises to children.
- King David: Mentioned regarding his comfort after the death of his child.