Quote:
Originally Posted by blhowes  Quote:
Originally Posted by MOSES IMO,,,If I denied my child baptism, I would be denying him membership into the church, the covenant community (the household of God) AND I would be denying him visible union with Christ...(thus, in a "visible" way, I would be denying him salvation...I would be shutting up the kigdom of God to him) | Shawn, I'm not being argumentative, just inquisitive. How would you be denying him salvation by not baptizing your child. |
We both know that we cannot restrain God's hand. We cannot hinder his salvation. I or you or anyone else cannot deny anyone salvation. That is the work of God alone.
But...by denying baptism, you are outwardly, in a
visible sense denying one salvation...(baptism being that picture of salvation).
If I'm the decision maker and I tell someone "nope, you don't get baptism" I am essentially telling that person that he is not saved, and I am forbidding him from partaking in the visible sign and seal of that salvation. I am shutting him up from all the visible benefits of the kingdom.