1 Corinthians 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband… But now are they holy. I. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN THIS STATEMENT. It is an acknowledgment of their virtual Church membership. II. THE BEARING OF THIS DOCTRINE ON THE BAPTISM OF INFANTS. By this act of baptism the Church (1) expresses its own evangelical faith; (2) recognizes the children as belonging to God and to Christ; (3) testifies its confidence in their present spiritual safety; (4) pledges itself to train them up in the culture of the Lord. III. GENERAL INFERENCES CONCERNING CHRISTIAN BAPTISM. 1. It is only an external sign. 2. Where persons are not baptized as infants, they should not afterwards be submitted to the rite except as intelligent believers in Christ. 3. As to the mode of baptism, it may be performed in any decent, possible way. 4. It may be administered by any one qualified or appointed to represent the Christian Church. 5. It should be consummated by an early admission to the Lord's table. 6. The duty of those who were never baptized in infancy. - R.T. Parallel Verses KJV: For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. |
    |