Jonathan Edwards on Baptism
Infants included, as a covenant sign
Though I have no doubts about the doctrine of infant baptism; yet God's manner of dealing with such infants as are regularly dedicated to him in baptism, is a matter liable to great disputes.
THE POSITION
He holds infant baptism without hesitation, and holds it as a covenant sign given to children as "parts and members of their parents" — which is exactly why the rule he presses about credible profession reaches the font as well as the Table. Parents who make no profession of godliness have no right to present a child, since "unconverted parents do never truly give up their children to God; since they do not truly give up themselves to him." The rite does nothing of itself.
19 For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.”
7 OTHERS HOLD THIS
ABOUT THIS FIGURE
New England pastor, revival theologian and philosopher of the First Great Awakening, dismissed from his Northampton pulpit in 1750 over who may come to the Lord's Table. This entry rests on Freedom of the Will (1754), Original Sin (1758), Religious Affections (1746), An Humble Inquiry (1749), Distinguishing Marks (1741), Some Thoughts on the Revival (1742), An Humble Attempt (1747) and A History of the Work of Redemption, read in the Hickman edition.
Cite this page
"Jonathan Edwards on Baptism", Examined Doctrine, July 2026 edition, https://examineddoctrine.com/position/edwards/baptism (archived at https://examineddoctrine.com/editions/2026-07/position/edwards/baptism).