Christ’s Institution and the Case for Infant Baptism | John Calvin

Deep Dive into Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin - Infant Baptism Best Accords with Christ's Institution and the Nature of the SignJohn Calvin defends the practice of infant baptism against Anabaptist critics by anchoring it in the continuity of God's covenant. He argues that baptism has replaced circumcision as the sign of God’s promise; while the external ceremony has changed, the spiritual mystery—forgiveness of sins and regeneration—remains the same. Calvin asserts that the covenant made with Abraham, which included his offspring, applies equally to Christians today. Consequently, to deny the sign of the covenant to the children of believers is to suggest that Christ’s coming restricted God's grace rather than expanding it.Calvin rejects the argument that baptism must always follow instruction and faith. He distinguishes between adult converts, who must be taught before being baptized, and infants born to believers, who inherit the covenant right by birth. He contends that infants are capable of receiving the Spirit's regeneration through a secret power, just as John the Baptist was sanctified in the womb, even if they cannot yet understand the doctrine. Furthermore, Calvin points to Jesus welcoming children and declaring that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them as proof that they should not be barred from the outward sign of entrance into the church.Refuting Servetus, Calvin argues that while the Lord's Supper requires self-examination and is reserved for those of mature age, baptism is an initiation rite appropriate for infants. He dismisses the claim that Scripture never explicitly details an infant's baptism, noting that the apostles baptized entire households. Ultimately, Calvin views infant baptism as a seal that comforts parents by visibly testifying that God is the Father of their children, thereby encouraging them to raise their offspring in the fear of the Lord.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerSpotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdwhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730