Quote:
Originally Posted by prespastor  As a former Reformed Baptist...I used to hold the 1689.
The key differences between the 1689 and the 1646 is that the 1689 is sabbatarian whereas the 1646 is silent on that issue. Also notice the following comparison regarding the administration of the 'ordinances' (we presbyterians don't mind calling them sacraments).
1689
"These holy appointments are to be administered by those only who are qualified and thereunto called, according to the commission of Christ."
1646
"The person designed by Christ to dispense baptism, the Scripture holds forth to be a disciple; it being no where tied to a particular church officer, or person extraordinarily sent the commission enjoining the administration, being given to them as considered disciples, being men able to preach the gospel." |
The 1689 has to be read in contrast to the confessions it was revising.
WCF
"There be only two sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the gospels, that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord: neither of which may be dispensed by any but a minister of the Word, lawfully ordained."
Savoy Declaration
"There be only two sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the gospel, that is to say, Baptism and the Lord's Supper; neither of which may be dispensed by any but a minister of the Word lawfully called."
The 1689 deliberately removes the requirement of a "minister of the Word" and ordination, replacing it with "qualified and thereunto called, according to the commission of Christ."
I would think that the commission of Christ referred to is Matthew 28:19-20, and thus all Christians are commissioned to baptize. I don't see any difference between the 1646 and the 1689 on that issue.