Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace [Paperback]

Mr. Paul K. Jewett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 19, 1978

Paul Jewett, author of the creative and highly provocative book, Man As Male and Female, now turns his critical attention to the practice of infant baptism. Jewett does not accept the traditional “covenant” argument for baptizing infants, and this book explains why he believes this argument fails. / Infant baptism is not a subject which can be isolated. For, as Jewett would have his readers understand, one's view on this issue is integrally related to one's view of the sacraments in general and thereby to the whole doctrine of the church and salvation. Thus it is understandable that what appears to be a minor theological question has had such divisive effects on the church. / A discussion of the historical source of infant baptism begins Jewett's critique, and introduces such issues as the distinction between infants and children, the silence of certain early church fathers on the subject, infant communion, and catechetical instruction. / The second and major portion of this book examines the theological issue, focusing specifically on the covenant argument, which suggests that baptism replaces circumcision as the sign of the covenant and thereby is given to infants. This argument, Jewett claims, fails to take into account the historical character of revelation, and contains certain contradictions. / Jewett concludes with a creative defense of believer baptism, one which is theologically responsible and which recognizes the profound truths of covenant theology.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul K. Jewett (1919–1991) was professor of systematic theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He also wrote Man as Male and Female and God, Creation, and Revelation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 268 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (July 19, 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802817130
• ISBN-13: 978-0802817136
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #614,843 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most thorough examination I have found, May 31, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace (Paperback)

This book is incredibly thorough, well researched, and well presented. Jewett analyzes the practice of infant baptism from a theological and historical standpoint. I found his detailed historical analysis to be particularly beneficial, as the historical record is often muddled and partial. The book is well worth purchasing if for no other reason than its look at the history of infant baptism.
The theological analysis was quite thorough as well, however it is important that one pays close attention to the subtitle of the book "An Appraisal of the Argument That As Infants Were Once Circumcised, So They Shoud Now Be Baptized." The theological analysis deals strictly with the covenantal view of infant baptism - the author does not address the view that infant baptism actually creates faith such as the Lutherans believe. I don't find this omission to be a fault of the book; I find it necessary to keep the argument focused. A detailed examination of all the issues concering infant baptism would surely take up volumes. Suffice it to say that Jewett has successfully analyzed this particular category of infant baptism theology.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Convincing, April 4, 2007

By 

M. J. Keel (Somewhere in the Far East) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace (Paperback)

I have examined the Scriptures and read books on both sides of this complex issue trying to find the truth (see my listmania list to follow my journey), but this book is by far the most thorough, biblical, and thoughtful book I have read on the subject of baptism. Jewett comes at the discussion from a distinctly Reformed view due to his adherence to covenant theology (a view I share) so this book may not be useful for those of Anglican, Lutheran, or Catholic persuasions.

Starting with church history , Professor Jewett examines infant baptism back to the time of the Apostles examining sources and the defense of some of the best defenders of infant baptism like Joachim Jeremias. Then he moves on to theological questions concerning the covenant of grace, the definition of baptism in Reformed creeds, and the actual practice of baptism in Reformed tradition in their light. What he finds is: weak evidence for the Apostolic foundation of infant baptism and foundational inconsistencies between the definition of baptism given by the Reformers and their disciples and their practice of infant baptism.

Even if you disagree with Professor Jewett's conclusions this is a must read for baptists and paedobaptists who want to make sure they are true to the bible and the biblical principles of the Reformation.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good presentation and defence of Credobaptism in light of Covenant Theology, December 15, 2008

By 

Daniel Chew (Singapore) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace (Paperback)

As a Pedobaptist, I must say that I am impressed with Dr. Jewett's work on this subject. Though his Baptist bias shines through the work at various places, and there are some of the typical Baptist errors in argumentation throughout (ie attempting to find evidence for infant baptism instead of looking at it correctly from the direction of Infant inclusion in the Covenant), the work as a whole attempts to analyze the subject of Infant Baptism in a holistic manner. I must say that if your view of Pedobaptism cannot pass the muster of Jewett's work in a consistent biblical manner, it is not worth holding onto.