Paedobaptism
A view held among orthodox Christians
The teaching that baptism, the sign of the covenant of grace, is to be given both to those who profess faith and to the infant children of believers.
Also called: infant baptism, paedobaptist, paedobaptists, pedobaptism, infant (covenantal), covenantal infant baptism
What it means
Paedobaptists (from the Greek for "child") hold that God's covenant with Abraham, "to be God to you and to your offspring after you", continues in the new covenant. Circumcision was its sign under the old administration; Paul connects it with baptism in Colossians 2. Since children received the sign then, and since Peter says the promise is "for you and your children", the children of believers should receive it now. They also point to the household baptisms in Acts.
The Westminster Confession teaches that "not only those that do actually profess faith in and obedience unto Christ, but also the infants of one, or both, believing parents, are to be baptized." It also insists that grace is not so tied to baptism that all the baptized are regenerated, nor that no one can be saved without it. Mode is usually by pouring or sprinkling, though immersion is accepted.
This is the historic position of Presbyterian, Reformed, and Anglican churches. Faithful Baptist churches disagree, and the site treats the question even-handedly.
In Scripture
God promised to be God to Abraham and to his descendants after him.
The covenant sign was given to male children at eight days old.
Paul links the circumcision of Christ with being buried with Him in baptism.
The promise is for you and your children: repent and be baptized.
The jailer and all his household were baptized at once.
The children of a believing parent are holy, set apart to God.
Where it comes up
Confessions: WCF 28.1; WCF 28.4; WCF 28.5; WCF 28.6
On this site: Baptism
Related terms
CredobaptismA view held among orthodox Christians
The teaching that baptism is for those who personally profess repentance and faith in Christ, normally by immersion.
Covenant childrenA view held among orthodox Christians
The teaching, held by paedobaptist churches, that the children of believers belong to the visible church as members of the covenant, though they come to the Lord's Table only after a credible profession of faith.
SacramentTerm
A holy sign and seal instituted by Christ, in which visible elements represent and confirm to believers the promises of the gospel; Protestants recognize two, baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Baptismal regenerationSerious error
The teaching that the act of baptism itself conveys the new birth, so that those rightly baptized are by that act regenerated and cleansed from sin.