Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace

Mr. Paul K. Jewett (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A work of first-rate scholarship in which Paul Jewett writes the most persuasive case ever to demolish the best arguments posed in favor of infant baptism, showing this practice to be an unbiblical vestige of ecclesiastical tradition. Jewett demonstrates that only the only valid New Testament baptism is "believer's baptism". His criticisms of paedobaptist arguments from Augustine down to Jeremias are thorouigh and devastating.

About the Author

Paul K. Jewett served as Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary and as Dean of the Young Life Summer Institute of Theology. He is author also of "The Lord's Day", publisehd by Eerdmans.

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.com Sales Rank: #647,787 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 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 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.

26 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well researched, but beware of his bias., March 27, 2002

By	Kevin Rogers (Jackson, MS USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Dr. Jewett's book is something that anyone interested in infant baptism should read. This book examines the historical evolution of infant baptism, the scriptural arguments, and the theological arguments. It is highly informative and reads like a thesis. If you are at all interested in infant baptism, READ THIS BOOK.

The problem with this work is that Dr. Jewett makes conclusions where the evidence is not necessary conclusory. For instance, he analyzes history and concludes that infant baptism was not a practice of the apostles, yet such a concusion is just one INFERENCE that could be made after taking in all the evidence. However, it should be noted that such conclusions are probably the best that anyone could do in reaching a definitive answer to an age-old issue.

The reason for Dr. Jewett's approach is clearly that he has made his decision from the beginning. This book reads like he has already made his decision, and whatever it takes, he is GOING to push the round peg into a square hole.

However, I would highly recommend this book for two reasons. First, the sheer amount of research and information provided by the author is worth taking a look at. Second, his arguments will better help anyone to refine their thoughts, from either an experienced theologian or a novice.

My lone criticism of this book, other than I believe it reaches an incorrect conclusion, is that he should have tried to be more objective, and avoided any language that would indicate his view was already biased from the start.

6 of 6 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

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.