Spurgeon felt strongly against the doctrine that the baptism of an adult or infant can save a soul. The doctrine was found in the Book of Common Prayer and was practiced by the Church of England. He warned that the idea was misleading and people might go to hell because of it. Spurgeon presented certain facts which disputed the doctrine. He also outlined the correct doctrine of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Spurgeon called for the fiery vehemence of a John Knox or Martin Luther to “rouse our hearts to action.” The sermon was updated to modern language.
God has instituted specific rites (actions done with created things) linked with specific words whereby he attests what the specific acts symbolize and so confirms promises to, and furthers fellowship with, the recipients of his saving and enriching mercy. Mainstream Christianity views created entities as symbols reflecting God and imparting a sense of the divine drawing mind and heart Godward. Holy Baptism as a rite of admission to church communion is integral to Anglicanism, each version of the Book of Common Prayer having contained a baptismal liturgy commonly used despite rival schools of thought about particular phrases. These tensions remaining with us today, Dr. Packer's essay attempts to clear the ground for an acceptable baptismal liturgy for use in the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), hopefully with theological agreement on all key points. This essay also addresses the Anglican practice of Infant Baptism as appropriate, fitting the situation, and honoring to God.
In the two thousand years that have elapsed since the time of Christ, Christians have been as much divided by their faith as united, as much at odds as in communion. And the contents of Christian confession have developed with astonishing energy. How can believers claim a faith that has been passed down through the ages while recognizing the real historical contingencies that have shaped both their doctrines and their divisions? In this carefully argued essay, David Bentley Hart critiques the concept of "tradition" that has become dominant in Christian thought as fundamentally incoherent. He puts forth a convincing new explanation of Christian tradition, one that is obedient to the nature of Christianity not only as a "revealed" creed embodied in historical events but as the "apocalyptic" revelation of a history that is largely identical with the eternal truth it supposedly discloses. Hart shows that Christian tradition is sustained not simply by its preservation of the past, but more essentially by its anticipation of the future. He offers a compelling portrayal of a living tradition held together by apocalyptic expectation--the promised transformation of all things in God.
"With 360+ pairs of questions and answers, as well as Scripture references to support each teaching, this catechism instructs new believers and church members in the core beliefs of Christianity from an Anglican perspective"--
The 1928 Book of Common Prayer is a treasured resource for traditional Anglicans and others who appreciate the majesty of King James-style language. This classic edition features a Presentation section containing certificates for the rites of Baptism, Confirmation, and Marriage. The elegant burgundy hardcover binding is embossed with a simple gold cross, making it an ideal choice for both personal study and gift-giving. The 1928 Book of Common Prayer combines Oxford's reputation for quality construction and scholarship with a modest price - a beautiful prayer book and an excellent value.
This paperback volume contains the liturgy for all kinds of Christian Initiation. It includes the well-known rites of Baptism and Confirmation, as well as a range of associated services to help Christians in the various stages of their journey of faith. These associated services included Rites on the Way, designed to be used with adults who have recently found faith. These rites mark their coming to faith and help them on the journey towards baptism and confirmation. Also included are various Rites of Affirmation, designed for those who wish to mark or reaffirm a Baptism that has already taken place. Services of Reconciliation and Restoration are also included, as they draw individuals back into the full baptismal life of the Christian community. These include the Reconciliation of a Penitent (individual confession), and a corporate service of penitence for use during Advent and Lent or in preparation for mission or pilgrimage. Services included are: Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child Rites Supporting Disciples on the Way of Christ Holy Baptism Emergency Baptism Holy Baptism and Confirmation, including a Vigil Service Celebration after an Initiation Service outside the Parish Thanksgiving for Holy Baptism Admission of the Baptized to Communion A Form for the Corporate Renewal of Baptismal Vows Affirmation of Baptismal Faith Reception into Communion of the Church of England A Corporate Service of Penitence The Reconciliation of a Penitent A Celebration of Wholeness and Healing
