Covenantal Baptism
Why would Christians baptize infants? Covenantal Baptism, by Jason Helopoulos, serves as a helpful primer and quick reference tool for parents, congregations, elders, and pastors.
Celebration and Conflict
After a foreword by Kevin DeYoung, Helopoulos introduces the book by beginning with the right perspective. He states that baptism is supposed to be a celebration – but it does cause conflict in the church. So Helopoulos wants to show us the blessing and kindness that belong with the sacrament of baptism. While a “secondary doctrine,” he sees it as a significant doctrine.
Chapter 1 begins by looking at the Bible to examine baptism as well as circumcision to understand covenants. We are to see them as signs and seals provided by our Heavenly Father to bless and encourage us in the faith. And this is how it connects with the kindness of God – our God is gracious and good.
Reformed Tradition
Chapter 2 points our attention toward Reformed tradition, showing how the testimony of covenantal continuity, of the New Testament Scriptures, of theology, and of the church answer the question: Are children of Christian parents members of the covenant community—and therefore also right recipients of the sacrament of baptism? Helopoulos shows how the covenant of grace is a thread that unifies all of Scripture.
If baptism does not generate faith, then what are the blessings of baptism? Chapter 3 says that baptism is a call to faith and faithfulness. Furthermore, it places a person under the care of the elders of a church. It is church membership, thereby giving them the benefits of church discipline. Finally, it grants the blessings of assurance and God’s eternal promises.
The Covenant of Grace
The benefits of baptizing children also extend to the parents. Granting hope and confidence alongside a call to faithful parenting are highlighted in Chapter 4. As for the congregation, Chapter 5 shows how the church is continually reminded of their faith and grows in solidarity as a family when participating covenantal baptism.
The book ends with a Q&A section, giving clear and succinct answers to the most popular questions on covenantal baptism. This book is short and accessible. Pastoral and thoughtful. Wise and practical. Well-informed and Biblical. I am challenged to see the benefits in covenantal baptism. And I am moved to worship our kind and generous God, who blesses us with Christ in his covenant of grace.
I received a media copy of Covenantal Baptism and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.