Debunking Dever's Baptist Claims

Kingdom Polemics

In this episode, Pastor Aldo interacts with a video of a panel discussion that took place in September 2022 at 9Marks at Southeastern, titled "A Conference about the church, for the church." The focus of our discussion is Mark Dever, one of the panel participants, and his Baptist claims.

Pastor Aldo presents a compelling argument challenging the notion that Baptism and Regeneration occur simultaneously. Drawing reference from WCF Chapter 28, sections 5 and 6, he emphasizes the separation of church membership, baptism, and regeneration as distinct events with different timing for individuals. Additionally, he explores the concept of inward and outward expressions of faith, highlighting the possibility of external participation in church rituals without internal regeneration.

Dever counters with the argument that Congregationalism is essential for preserving orthodoxy and the Gospel. Pastor Aldo contrasts Episcopacy, where one speaks for the many, with Presbyterianism, where the many speak collectively in three concentric spheres: the local church, the regional church, and the general assembly. Pastor Aldo further explores the three types of polity: Episcopacy, Congregationalism, and Presbyterianism, clarifying the distinctions between them. He also highlights the departure of the PCUSA from Presbyterian polity and its descent into heresy.

The discussion then shifts towards the implications of baptizing uneducated or untrained adults, with Pastor Aldo arguing that it can lead to a loss of orthodoxy. He questions whether Congregationalism is the solution, using the example of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), where a wide range of expressions, including Dispensationalism, Arminianism, Prosperity gospel, and Charismatics, coexist within the same denomination. He raises the question of whether congregationalism can adequately address such diversity.

The interaction continues touching on other claims made. Join us as we explore and critically examine the claims made by Mark Dever and Pastor Aldo's counterarguments in this intriguing and enlightening discussion.

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