A Lutheran and a Baptist Discuss Infant Baptism

Few theological issues have been more divisive in church history than baptism. Yet today many Christians avoid engaging the topic of baptism altogether, and many are unaware where the differences lie between various perspectives.

In this video Austin Suggs of Gospel Simplicity moderates a discussion between Dr. Jordan Cooper (Lutheran) and Dr. Gavin Ortlund (Baptist) on the proper subjects of baptism. This is the first of three conversations, the second of which will cover the meaning of baptism, and the third of which will be a live Q+A.

Truth Unites is a mixture of apologetics and theology, with an irenic focus.

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00:00 - Introduction
01:58 - Approaches to the Issue
41:40 - Scriptural Arguments
01:14:41 - Historical Arguments
01:39:35 - Implications

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[davidlauer]

I am a huge fan of both these men. As a patron of both their channels, I have been able to watch this twice already. It was a thrill to see them together having a respectful, intelligent, and friendly discussion, which is sadly so rare these days. It is encouraging to see baptism taken with the seriousness it deserves. In my experience, many people are baptized only when required to for church membership. Austin did a great job leading the discussion. I look forward to Part 2.

[he]

For me, this is the gift of protestantism. We can have gracious debates over something as fundamental as baptism without anathametizing the other side.

[keelanenns]

As a Presbyterian, I’ve never been more conflicted watching a video in my life

[GospelSimplicity]

Having had a front row seat to this, I think everyone is really going to enjoy it and be filled with anticipation for part 2 on baptismal regeneration! Grateful to get to be a part of these

[andrewscotteames]

I was a baptist for a decade and I had spent a long time studying theology as a layman but I had never spent much time thinking or reading about the sacraments. When I realized this I began studying them and within a year I was a confessional Lutheran. All of the holes in my theology and soteriology were plugged by the sacraments and I honestly found the arguments for my old baptist position shallow and counter biblical.

[Faithofthefathers]

I was a huge fan of the fact that Jordan B.Cooper had brought up that baptism is the new circumcision and that circumcision is cutting off the flesh and baptism is cutting off the sin from our lives. And how circumcision attempts to do what baptism does. Which is what Christ talks about in regards to the Mosaic law saying that he did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. I love that! You guys are awesome!

[norski]

I hope that through this conversation people can see the beauty and joy that is with infant baptism. It directs our minds and hearts to God who loves us.

[novadawg]

I find this style of “debate” far more interesting than the hyper passive aggressive style that people like James White prefer to do. It feels less like I’m being forced to take a side and more sitting around a coffee table enjoying theology as a heir to Hus & Luther.

[HWil]

As a presbyterian I found this discussion to be fruitful. I thank God for Dr. Jordan Cooper and Dr. Gavin Ortlund. Although in disagreement on a doctrine yet there was set before us a clear example of unity in the faith. We can all see and learn in the church an example of a debate that promotes faith, love, hope, and unity rather than discord, division, and strife. Excellent job brothers.

[robrog]

The old presumption argument, “I’m baptized so I’m good” can be made about Cred-Baptist “ I’ve made a decision and went to the altar.” How many nominal Baptists I’ve seen who think that a one-time commitment is all that it takes!

[RyanDavidFerguson]

Who gave Austin permission to cut his hair? Now he'll lose all his strength.

[macydrew]

My boyfriend and I watched this together--he's Catholic and I attend a church that is from the Restoration movement, so we were agreeing and disagreeing with different people throughout. Very interesting and not agressive, which was nice.

[marcuswilliams]

Very much looking forward to this. Two of the most committed, yet collegial, Christian men on the YouTubes.

[Adam-ueig]

Dr. Ortlund and Dr. Cooper will engage in discussion? This is epic!

[josueinhan]

This will be remarkable. God bless both of you. Congratulations on transcending denominational shackles and deciding to talk.

[janiejackson]

A little push back from a Catholic to the point made Dr. Cooper: The disagreements we have are over discipline, not doctrine or dogma. The level of disagreements are different that what we see play out in the protestant traditions.

On a positive side, love this convo and can't wait to hear the next two videos. I've never thought about Baptism so much in my life! Also, Because of your videos Gavin, I find myself defending protestants a lot more when Catholics say none of them pay attention to Church History!

[stljman]

God be praised for these conversations

[Jessard]

So excited for this as fans of both of you all! Sounds like Gavin is upping his beard game in preperation!

[sammorris]

Amazing discussion! Both sides were honest with the messiness of the early church doctrine. It’s too often you hear “everyone believed X” and Dr Ortlund does well to point out there does seem to be this third view in the early church of credo baptismal regeneration. For what it’s worth I tend toward Dr Coopers position and I think that once the early church “dealt” with the problem of post baptismal sin, the path was clear for infant baptism to become the normal and established position.

[Melvin_Thoma]

Thanks for this one Dr Cooper and Dr Ortlund. Great to see you Austin! Was a very informative conversation.
- a fellow Catholic.