Almost Dutch, pt. II

In ‘Almost Dutch pt. I’ I reviewed the doctrinal standards of the Dutch reformed churches called the Three Forms of Unity. I noted that—doctrinally—I was almost Dutch because of my general approval of the Three Forms. However, there is one major difference and that is that I am an English Baptist.

Apart from a mild discrepancy with ministers vs. elders[1] my main critique of the Three Forms is infant baptism and correspondingly the nature of saving faith.

1.Baptism
For other blogs on baptism click here. For a worksheet on baptism click here.
It should come as no surprise that a convictional Baptist would take umbrage with infant baptism. This is address in Belgic Confession ch. 34 to which I take the following exceptions:

1. While the washing of water is a biblical symbol (1 Pet 3:21) it is not the predominant one, which is the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (Ro 6:3–5); clearly not something infant baptism or affusion (pouring) can identify with.
2. Old Testament circumcision cannot be likened to the New Covenant sacrament of baptism because every covenant has unique signs. The New Covenant is kainos new (i.e. a new invention) and not neos new (a brand-new car). The new sign of baptism befits the New Covenant, which is not a mixed covenant (believers and unbelievers) like the Old Covenant but one of believers only.
3. It is not adult baptism but believer’s baptism by immersion; something a child can experience if they demonstrate saving faith.
4. Using the Old Testament metaphor, Paul does speak of the circumcision of the heart, however, this is not in reference to baptism

Baptism is also addressed in the Heidelberg Catechism Q. 74, to which I take the following exceptions:

1. The same inter-covenantal and child-adult confusion as in the above.
2. While the children of believers are part of the visible church community by association, to join the Church is to be believe and be baptized, something which infants cannot yet do.

              

1. Saving Faith.

While the Three Forms defines saving faith splendidly,[2] what is said on paper and done in practice can differ greatly. When a child that has been baptized—usually as a teenager—wishes to move from child membership to full communicant membership and the ability to take communion they must confirm the baptismal vows made at their infant baptism in public (called Confirmation or Public Profession of Faith). In other words, they must accept personal responsibility for their faith. This is done through learning the catechism, being interviewed by the elders, making their vows and then receiving communion. While under the hands of an evangelical and discerning minister/elders this can be a useful process, I have often witnessed this being done culturally or nominally with the end result being unregenerate church members who rest in their baptism, public profession and orthodoxy (head knowledge) vs. personal saving faith in Christ as expressed in believer’s baptism by immersion.  
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I have great appreciation for Dutch culture and the Three Forms generally, however, as a Baptist I see these two points are great vulnerabilities.


[1] I see elders as being co-equal, and the man whom we may refer to as minister or pastor being a first among equals.

[2] Belgic ch. 22; Heidelberg, Q 21.