{Book Review} The Presbyterian Doctrine of Children in the Covenant

The Presbyterian Doctrine of Children in the Covenant: An Historical Study of the Significance of Infant Baptism in the Presbyterian Church is a wonderful book written by Lewis Bevens Schenck, and published by P&R.

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The Presbyterian Doctrine of Children in the Covenant: An Historical Study of the Significance of Infant Baptism in the Presbyterian Church

Though many Presbyterians will not agree with everything that Schenck teaches, this book is surely an excellent work that all Presbyterians (as well as all other Christians that are willing to listen in) should think through. The topic of children within the covenant is such an important one, and Schenck does the church a big favor by drawing this out both biblically and historically. 

The Foundation of the Book

In this review, I want to touch on chapter one of the book due to its importance. Chapter one is truly foundational to the remainder of the book. This is where we see the history of the Presbyterian church’s teaching on children within the covenant.

Schenk appeals to John Calvin and his teaching on children in the covenant, showing that the promises given in the Abrahamic covenant (“I will be God to you and to your offspring after you”) were indeed spiritual, and these promises remain today under the new covenant. Since children are already in the covenant, they were circumcised under the old covenant, and in the new covenant, they are to receive the sign of baptism. Children do not receive the sign in order to be brought into the covenant; instead, they receive the sign because they are already in the covenant due to God’s promise.

Do All Presbyterians Agree?

Up to this point, it is safe to say that all Presbyterians are in agreement. However, where there is likely to be disagreement is where Schenck, appealing again to Calvin, discusses presumptive regeneration. This is in response to those who are on the other end of the spectrum who are proposing presumptive unregeneration. This is a difficult section, and Schenck does a great job of quoting directly from Calvin.

In this chapter, Schenck also reviews the writings of some earlier Reformers such as Zwingli and Knox. He also looks to some of the confessions like the Westminster Confession of Faith. 

In the remainder of the book, Schenck discuss the nature of revivalism and its effect upon the church. He argues that revivalism led to the demand of a crisis conversion to prove one’s salvation, even in the lives of children. He discusses the half-way covenant in New England, revivalism leading to the suppression of Presbyterian doctrine, the place of Charles Hodge within this conversation, and much more. 

Conclusion

I want to highly recommend this book to other Christians, especially those of the Reformed and Presbyterian conviction.

Again, you may not agree with everything in this book, but I believe that the importance of children in the covenant is often neglected, and this book is a great way to bring attention back to a very important topic. I am grateful to P&R Publishing for reissuing the publication of Schenk’s work! 

Disclaimer: My thanks to P&R for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.