Question and Answer
Baptists and the OPC
Question:
Is it a general practice for OPC ministers to make strong comments concerning believers' baptism and the folly of the Baptist denomination?
Answer:
Orthodox Presbyterians, especially ministers and elders, strongly disagree with Baptists on their view of baptism, though they recognize sincere Baptists as brothers and sisters in Christ. One thing we don't hear from our pulpits is tirades against Baptists and their doctrine of "believers' baptism." It does no good to our concerns for brotherly love among believers and grieves those who might have friends or relatives who are Baptists. In fact, we will admit to full membership those who are conscientiously committed to Baptist doctrines and practices who are nonetheless comfortable in our churches and wish to become members. Such persons are not permitted to become ordained officers yet are warmly received as brothers and sisters in Christ. (I should perhaps add that only men are eligible for ordained office in the OPC.)
(On a related matter, see the report on "Refusing to Present Children for Baptism" submitted to the Thirty-third General Assembly (1966) of the OPC.)
About Q&A
"Questions and Answers" is a weekly feature of the OPC website. At least one new question is posted each week, so there should always be something new here for you to read. (For those who would like to look at previous questions and answers, they will continue to be available as well.)
The questions come from individuals like yourself. If you have questions about biblical and theological matters, you are invited to send them by e-mail by using the "Pose a Question" link on the OPC home page or by clicking here.
The purpose of the OPC website's "Questions and Answers" is to respond to biblical and theological questions. Matters of church discipline, disputes, or debates go beyond the scope of our work. We recommend that you present your concerns in these areas to the appropriate judicatory. In most cases this will be to a local pastor, elder, or session. We do not want the website to replace personal involvement in, or commitment to, the local, visible church.
While we will respond to every serious questioner, we are not bound to give a substantive answer to every question, should we deem the question to be beyond the scope of our purpose or our own ability to answer.
You will receive an answer by email. Please be patient as many of our respondents are busy pastors. The response to your question may take up to two weeks. Some of the questions submitted will be chosen to be posted here, along with the corresponding answers.
The answers come from individual ministers in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church expressing their own convictions and do not necessarily represent an "official" position of the Church, especially in areas where the Standards of the Church (the Scriptures and the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms) are silent.
Note that the "Questions and Answers" posted on the site have been edited—all personal references are removed, Scripture references may be added, and sometimes portions are expanded—to make the questions and answers more useful to a larger audience.
