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Blessings of the Faith
Covenantal Baptism
Informative and encouraging, this brief book serves as a helpful primer and quick reference tool regarding Presbyterian baptism for pastors, elders, prospective new church members, parents, and family members of children. The practice of infant baptism benefits the children themselves, their parents, and the congregation as a whole. This short volume concludes with answers to frequently asked and pertinent questions on the topic.
154 pages, Hardcover
Published September 22, 2021
29 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Jason Helopoulos
10 books37 followersJason was born in the “Land of Lincoln,” central Illinois. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1999. Jason then attended Dallas Theological Seminary and completed a Masters of Theology degree (ThM) with a concentration in Historical Theology and Christian Education in 2003. He served on the staff of Park Cities Presbyterian Church as a pastoral intern for one year and then accepted a call as an Assistant Pastor at Meadowview Reformed Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Lexington, North Carolina. In the fall of 2007, Jason was called by Christ Church PCA in Grand Rapids, Michigan to plant a daughter church in Lansing, Michigan. He accepted the call and moved to the field (and snow) as church planter and pastored Providence PCA in East Lansing until 2012. In the summer of 2012, Jason accepted the call as Assistant Pastor of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan and accepted the call to Senior Pastor in the spring of 2018.
Jason is married to his beautiful bride, Leah. They are blessed with two wonderful children, Gracen and Ethan.
He enjoys spending time with his family, history, reading, laughing, watching a good Chicago Bears’ game (as rare as they are), and feasting upon Chicago-style pizza.
Jason is married to his beautiful bride, Leah. They are blessed with two wonderful children, Gracen and Ethan.
He enjoys spending time with his family, history, reading, laughing, watching a good Chicago Bears’ game (as rare as they are), and feasting upon Chicago-style pizza.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 28, 2022
i've always wanted to read a book on the sacraments
and i guess the 5 star rating means i'm a paedobaptist now...
and i guess the 5 star rating means i'm a paedobaptist now...
August 24, 2025
Helpful resource - perfect for getting into healthy and fruitful convos with those who are hesitant about infant baptism or language of “sign AND seal.” Will be lending this one out often!
28, 29 - “There is no need for God to supplement his promises—he is trustworthy and cannot lie. … God grants these tangible, physical signs and seals to engage our senses and reassure our faith… our merciful Lord, according to his infinite kindness, so tempers himself to our capacity that, since we are creatures who always creep on the ground, cleave to the flesh, and, do not think about or even conceive of anything spiritual, he condescends to lead us to himself even by these earthly elements and to set before us in the flesh a mirror of spiritual blessings"
32 - “As the sacrament of circumcision signified the promises of God to a person who entered into the covenant community in the old covenant, so baptism is the sacrament of initiation that signifies the promises of God to individuals who are under the new covenant. Both circumcision and baptism symbolize the need to be cut off from the first Adam and from the flesh as well as for cleansing, for being covered in blood, and for the hearts of God's people to be made new…”
33 - “Circumcision was not a seal of Abraham's subjective expression of faith. It was not a seal of his response to the gospel. Rather, circumcision functioned as a seal of the righteousness that he received from God through faith.”
38-40 - “God never repeals [children’s] inclusion under the new covenant… If it no longer the case that they are included in the covenant, this would indicate a monumental change in redemptive history and the way that God has chosen to work… the baptistic view can offer no evidence for this exclusivist position. No example exists in the New Testament of a child being born and raised in a Christian home and then postponing their baptism until they are an adult.”
44 - “It would be an odd thing, especially for a gospel people, if children were included right alongside husbands, wives, and masters under the requirements of the covenant community but excluded from the blessings of that same community. If they were included in it enough to receive its instructions, then surely they were included in it enough to receive its sign of belonging.”
46 - (regarding Matt 19:15, Mark 10:16) "Now Jesus' blessing, surely verbal and audible, was hardly comprehended by these infants and children, but this absence of comprehension on their part in no way nullified either the fact of the blessing itself on his part or the reality of their covenantal inclusion in the kingdom of God… If Christ willingly blessed children during his earthly ministry, why would he change his ministry of blessing after he ascended?”
49 - “No one receives salvation by virtue of their parents—each individual must possess faith by themselves… yet, when we are saved unto Christ, we are also always saved unto the body of Christ. Baptism was not, in those (Gal 3:26-29, Eph 2:11-22, several other passages) accounts, and is not, for us today, simply about the individual and Jesus-while it includes that element, there is more to it.”
50, 51 - “Early church fathers, including Origen, Cyprian, Tertullian, Hippolytus of Rome, and Ireneus, all mention the baptism of infants during the second and third centuries. … Until the time of the Anabaptists in the sixteenth century, we witness no noticeable outcry against the practice of baptizing children in the church.”
59 - “Does the fact that our covenant children are set apart, distinct, and different from the children of the world mean that they are saved? Not necessarily. We believe that God normatively works to save our covenant children, and so we have great hope-but baptism does not generate faith. Just as circumcision did not cause salvation, baptism does not cause salvation. To our great sadness, some who receive this sign reject the covenant that it signifies. Ishmaels and Esaus exist among the Isaacs and Jacobs.”
60, 61 - “grace is not a thing. Rather, it is the person of Christ Jesus and all the benefits that are attached to him, which the Spirit applies. We believe that Christ is communicated not by the act but by the Spirit who works through the act.”
63 - “Therefore, from the moment our children receive the sacrament of baptism, we should point them to what that sacrament signified for them. We should plead and pray for them to believe and trust in the God whose name they were baptized into.”
92 - “Grace precedes effort. Grace precedes desire. Grace even precedes faith.”
100 - “Evangelicals place an emphasis upon personal conversion, which is a right and necessary emphasis, but we often lose sight of the communal nature of our faith. The entire community is marked, by baptism, as belonging not only to God but also to one another.”
Some short blips from the Q&A:
107 - “Wouldn't it be consistent to practice paedocommunion along with infant baptism? No. While God commanded that children receive the sign of circumcision, he gave no command to include children in the Passover meal. The Old Testament contains commands for them to be included in the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Booths, but no such command exists regarding the Passover.”
110 - “Doesn't baptizing children imply that you think they are, or will be, regenerate?
No. We neither presume nor infer regeneration by baptism. Could an infant child be regenerated? Yes-the Spirit blows where he wills (see John 3:8), and in Luke 1:41 John the Baptist shows signs of regeneration while he is in his mother's womb! God wills and works as he pleases—but we are not making any assertion… 111 The baptistic view presumes upon the confession of an adult—that his or her confession is real and true. “
117 - “In Acts 2:38, when Peter is preaching during Pen-tecost, he commands his listeners, "Repent and be baptized." Infants cannot repent—so how can they be baptized? The word "and" in this verse functions as a coordinating conjunction, not a causal conjunction… Neither does the word indicate a logical order for these commands—as if a person who has first repented should then be baptized. Rather, these are two equally important commands.”
128 - “Does the act of baptism make children into members of the church?
Covenant children receive baptism as a sign that they are already counted as members of the visible church. They enter into the covenant community upon conception, and thus they are entitled to receive the sign of entrance into that community as soon as they are able to. Baptism does not cause this membership but rather signifies it.”
131 Fesko - “the new covenant is organically connected to the Abrahamic covenant and… the Mosaic covenant expires.” Jason H resumes, “The new covenant community remains, in this present age, a mixed community of regenerate and unregenerate individuals. One day the invisible church will be revealed, and in it there will be no mixture-but until that happens, at the return of Christ, the visible church will always be mixed.”
135 - “The sacraments are not simply individualistic acts of private piety; baptism was given to the visible church and is therefore tied to one’s connection with a particular local body of believers.”
A CLOSING PRAYER FOR COV. CHILDREN
145, 146 —
“Give them sorrows, but not too deep; struggles, but not too great.
Make them seasoned, but not hopeless; comfortable in their own skin, but not vain; zealous, but equally wise;
knowledgeable, but filled with humility; content, but continually striving.
Allow them to be confident, but not cocky; humble, but not sheepish; gracious, but not fearful.
Mature their bodies with strength, their emotions with sophistication, and their imaginations with brilliance.
Fill their lungs with deep laughter and their souls with joy.
Yet, even as I pray these things,
there is one prayer that soars above the rest:
Bestow upon them your grace.
Lavish them with your mercy.
Drench them with your love.
Fill them with your Holy Spirit.
Bless them with a glimpse of your glory, that their affections may rise.
Give them the gift of faith.
Satiate all their appetites with you.
Set them apart for your holy service.
Bring them into living union with your Son.
Grant that my children would be your children.
May all that was signified in their baptisms be sealed
to them.
What glory that would give to your name, and what joy it would give to my heart.
Be gracious, my covenant-keeping God.
I pray all this in faith, remembering your covenant
pledge:
"This promise is for you and for your children."
Amen. “
28, 29 - “There is no need for God to supplement his promises—he is trustworthy and cannot lie. … God grants these tangible, physical signs and seals to engage our senses and reassure our faith… our merciful Lord, according to his infinite kindness, so tempers himself to our capacity that, since we are creatures who always creep on the ground, cleave to the flesh, and, do not think about or even conceive of anything spiritual, he condescends to lead us to himself even by these earthly elements and to set before us in the flesh a mirror of spiritual blessings"
32 - “As the sacrament of circumcision signified the promises of God to a person who entered into the covenant community in the old covenant, so baptism is the sacrament of initiation that signifies the promises of God to individuals who are under the new covenant. Both circumcision and baptism symbolize the need to be cut off from the first Adam and from the flesh as well as for cleansing, for being covered in blood, and for the hearts of God's people to be made new…”
33 - “Circumcision was not a seal of Abraham's subjective expression of faith. It was not a seal of his response to the gospel. Rather, circumcision functioned as a seal of the righteousness that he received from God through faith.”
38-40 - “God never repeals [children’s] inclusion under the new covenant… If it no longer the case that they are included in the covenant, this would indicate a monumental change in redemptive history and the way that God has chosen to work… the baptistic view can offer no evidence for this exclusivist position. No example exists in the New Testament of a child being born and raised in a Christian home and then postponing their baptism until they are an adult.”
44 - “It would be an odd thing, especially for a gospel people, if children were included right alongside husbands, wives, and masters under the requirements of the covenant community but excluded from the blessings of that same community. If they were included in it enough to receive its instructions, then surely they were included in it enough to receive its sign of belonging.”
46 - (regarding Matt 19:15, Mark 10:16) "Now Jesus' blessing, surely verbal and audible, was hardly comprehended by these infants and children, but this absence of comprehension on their part in no way nullified either the fact of the blessing itself on his part or the reality of their covenantal inclusion in the kingdom of God… If Christ willingly blessed children during his earthly ministry, why would he change his ministry of blessing after he ascended?”
49 - “No one receives salvation by virtue of their parents—each individual must possess faith by themselves… yet, when we are saved unto Christ, we are also always saved unto the body of Christ. Baptism was not, in those (Gal 3:26-29, Eph 2:11-22, several other passages) accounts, and is not, for us today, simply about the individual and Jesus-while it includes that element, there is more to it.”
50, 51 - “Early church fathers, including Origen, Cyprian, Tertullian, Hippolytus of Rome, and Ireneus, all mention the baptism of infants during the second and third centuries. … Until the time of the Anabaptists in the sixteenth century, we witness no noticeable outcry against the practice of baptizing children in the church.”
59 - “Does the fact that our covenant children are set apart, distinct, and different from the children of the world mean that they are saved? Not necessarily. We believe that God normatively works to save our covenant children, and so we have great hope-but baptism does not generate faith. Just as circumcision did not cause salvation, baptism does not cause salvation. To our great sadness, some who receive this sign reject the covenant that it signifies. Ishmaels and Esaus exist among the Isaacs and Jacobs.”
60, 61 - “grace is not a thing. Rather, it is the person of Christ Jesus and all the benefits that are attached to him, which the Spirit applies. We believe that Christ is communicated not by the act but by the Spirit who works through the act.”
63 - “Therefore, from the moment our children receive the sacrament of baptism, we should point them to what that sacrament signified for them. We should plead and pray for them to believe and trust in the God whose name they were baptized into.”
92 - “Grace precedes effort. Grace precedes desire. Grace even precedes faith.”
100 - “Evangelicals place an emphasis upon personal conversion, which is a right and necessary emphasis, but we often lose sight of the communal nature of our faith. The entire community is marked, by baptism, as belonging not only to God but also to one another.”
Some short blips from the Q&A:
107 - “Wouldn't it be consistent to practice paedocommunion along with infant baptism? No. While God commanded that children receive the sign of circumcision, he gave no command to include children in the Passover meal. The Old Testament contains commands for them to be included in the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Booths, but no such command exists regarding the Passover.”
110 - “Doesn't baptizing children imply that you think they are, or will be, regenerate?
No. We neither presume nor infer regeneration by baptism. Could an infant child be regenerated? Yes-the Spirit blows where he wills (see John 3:8), and in Luke 1:41 John the Baptist shows signs of regeneration while he is in his mother's womb! God wills and works as he pleases—but we are not making any assertion… 111 The baptistic view presumes upon the confession of an adult—that his or her confession is real and true. “
117 - “In Acts 2:38, when Peter is preaching during Pen-tecost, he commands his listeners, "Repent and be baptized." Infants cannot repent—so how can they be baptized? The word "and" in this verse functions as a coordinating conjunction, not a causal conjunction… Neither does the word indicate a logical order for these commands—as if a person who has first repented should then be baptized. Rather, these are two equally important commands.”
128 - “Does the act of baptism make children into members of the church?
Covenant children receive baptism as a sign that they are already counted as members of the visible church. They enter into the covenant community upon conception, and thus they are entitled to receive the sign of entrance into that community as soon as they are able to. Baptism does not cause this membership but rather signifies it.”
131 Fesko - “the new covenant is organically connected to the Abrahamic covenant and… the Mosaic covenant expires.” Jason H resumes, “The new covenant community remains, in this present age, a mixed community of regenerate and unregenerate individuals. One day the invisible church will be revealed, and in it there will be no mixture-but until that happens, at the return of Christ, the visible church will always be mixed.”
135 - “The sacraments are not simply individualistic acts of private piety; baptism was given to the visible church and is therefore tied to one’s connection with a particular local body of believers.”
A CLOSING PRAYER FOR COV. CHILDREN
145, 146 —
“Give them sorrows, but not too deep; struggles, but not too great.
Make them seasoned, but not hopeless; comfortable in their own skin, but not vain; zealous, but equally wise;
knowledgeable, but filled with humility; content, but continually striving.
Allow them to be confident, but not cocky; humble, but not sheepish; gracious, but not fearful.
Mature their bodies with strength, their emotions with sophistication, and their imaginations with brilliance.
Fill their lungs with deep laughter and their souls with joy.
Yet, even as I pray these things,
there is one prayer that soars above the rest:
Bestow upon them your grace.
Lavish them with your mercy.
Drench them with your love.
Fill them with your Holy Spirit.
Bless them with a glimpse of your glory, that their affections may rise.
Give them the gift of faith.
Satiate all their appetites with you.
Set them apart for your holy service.
Bring them into living union with your Son.
Grant that my children would be your children.
May all that was signified in their baptisms be sealed
to them.
What glory that would give to your name, and what joy it would give to my heart.
Be gracious, my covenant-keeping God.
I pray all this in faith, remembering your covenant
pledge:
"This promise is for you and for your children."
Amen. “
January 25, 2025
Lots of really interesting stuff on immersion vs sprinkling at the end
January 5, 2026
An excellent resource. A short defense of Covenantal Baptism but mostly an encouragement to parents, children and the congregation when approaching baptism.
And mercifully short.
And mercifully short.
June 1, 2022
This is a quick, enjoyable, and edifying read. Helopoulos writes with helpful clarity and attractive verve for his position. In addition to the stylistic strengths of the book, I appreciate Helopoulos’s employment of historic Reformed sources and standard texts on covenant theology and baptism ranging from John Calvin and Johannes Cocceius to John Murray and John Fesko (do you see a pattern?). The question and answer section is very useful, but not without weaknesses (see below). I will be borrowing a lot of Helopoulos’s phrasing for baptism services in my church.
I understand that the volume is intended as a short treatment, but I believe that for a Presbyterian and Reformed text, it lacked a sufficient exploration of the importance (and implications) of who it is that should administer baptism for it to be considered valid (namely, a lawfully ordained minister of the gospel). I am concerned that the question and answer section provides cover for spurious “baptisms” performed by unauthorized persons (Roman Catholic priests, well-meaning Evangelical friends and unordained mentors/family-members).
I understand that the volume is intended as a short treatment, but I believe that for a Presbyterian and Reformed text, it lacked a sufficient exploration of the importance (and implications) of who it is that should administer baptism for it to be considered valid (namely, a lawfully ordained minister of the gospel). I am concerned that the question and answer section provides cover for spurious “baptisms” performed by unauthorized persons (Roman Catholic priests, well-meaning Evangelical friends and unordained mentors/family-members).
December 15, 2022
I’m still Baptist
June 23, 2025
A very readable book that presents the Presbyterian view with clarity and gentleness. After reading this, I am more convinced than before that infant baptism is valid, biblical baptism, and should not be withheld from parents who want it for their child. However I am not convinced enough that I want to baptise any children of my own.
Helopoulos addresses this question at the end of the book. I quote it here with UK spelling because I'm pedantic.
"Isn't it sufficient to say that children can be baptised? Do we need to say they should be baptised?
If God considers children to be members of the covenant community, then neglecting covenantal baptism means we are keeping one of the chief means of God's grace from our covenant children's lives."
I wholeheartedly agree with the "if", and the first part of the book addresses this subject very well. It's the "then" part I struggle with. I was baptised as an infant and find it hard to see this as an effective means of grace in my life, since I cannot remember it, and lived through a period of wandering as a teenager since then. Though I can look at my baptism as a sign of God's covenant, it is somewhat hazy as I only know it happened through photos, or what others have said. This is different to circumcision, a physical and permanent sign, and baptism when the person is old enough to be aware and remember it. I'm grateful to Helopoulos for presenting the position clearly, and giving strong arguments against a strict Credobaptist position (which I will remember and point to), but I find it hard to see infant baptism as a blessing to the child as much as waiting until they can choose it themselves.
In a section about reminding covenant children of their baptism, Helopoulos imagines a conversation. (Spelling altered again because God save the King) "Mummy, Daddy, was I baptised?" His imagined answer is - "Yes, do you know what baptism means?" I would personally find it easier in this context to say, "No, but would you like to be? Do you know what it means?"
A good book, but I remain on the fence.
Helopoulos addresses this question at the end of the book. I quote it here with UK spelling because I'm pedantic.
"Isn't it sufficient to say that children can be baptised? Do we need to say they should be baptised?
If God considers children to be members of the covenant community, then neglecting covenantal baptism means we are keeping one of the chief means of God's grace from our covenant children's lives."
I wholeheartedly agree with the "if", and the first part of the book addresses this subject very well. It's the "then" part I struggle with. I was baptised as an infant and find it hard to see this as an effective means of grace in my life, since I cannot remember it, and lived through a period of wandering as a teenager since then. Though I can look at my baptism as a sign of God's covenant, it is somewhat hazy as I only know it happened through photos, or what others have said. This is different to circumcision, a physical and permanent sign, and baptism when the person is old enough to be aware and remember it. I'm grateful to Helopoulos for presenting the position clearly, and giving strong arguments against a strict Credobaptist position (which I will remember and point to), but I find it hard to see infant baptism as a blessing to the child as much as waiting until they can choose it themselves.
In a section about reminding covenant children of their baptism, Helopoulos imagines a conversation. (Spelling altered again because God save the King) "Mummy, Daddy, was I baptised?" His imagined answer is - "Yes, do you know what baptism means?" I would personally find it easier in this context to say, "No, but would you like to be? Do you know what it means?"
A good book, but I remain on the fence.
June 18, 2025
I was baptized as an infant and have always maintained a covenant baptismal view - this book only further solidified my beliefs. This has been a hot topic amongst my friends and me, as many of them would disagree. I wanted to do some digging and finished this book feeling more grounded. I love talking about it because I think our theology about baptism also reflects how we view our relationship with God. While I firmly state that baptism is not salvific, I do think that it’s incredibly important and should be discussed in a gracious, loving way. I would love to discuss this with anyone and also hear opposing sides!
“I find that a baptism of a small child pictures the helplessness of man and his desperate need for God better than almost any scene that we witness in the church. It testifies to all who are watching that only an act of God can save the small child being baptized.”
“Baptism serves primarily as a seal not of a person’s subjective faith but of God’s faithfulness. What it principally seals is God’s promises, not our own.”
“I find that a baptism of a small child pictures the helplessness of man and his desperate need for God better than almost any scene that we witness in the church. It testifies to all who are watching that only an act of God can save the small child being baptized.”
“Baptism serves primarily as a seal not of a person’s subjective faith but of God’s faithfulness. What it principally seals is God’s promises, not our own.”
February 18, 2022
"It is the greatness of God married to the kindness of God that powerfully allures the human heart. And God's kindness radiates through this gift of the sacraments. As we reflect on the beauty of his kindness, these sacraments shine all the more brilliantly."
Sadly, the topic of baptism is often reduced to either a cold, intellectual debate or a heated argument about what "team” you are on.
Jason Helopoulos, however, has put together a well-crafted case for covenantal infant baptism that captures the heart along with the mind. After this short read, I am just in awe at the beauty of this practice and the kindness that it signifies.
This book helped me to understand that baptism is not a "one-and-done" procedure that we quickly forget about. In fact, it is a wonderful object lesson that God uses to continually point to and affirm the blessings that He bestows as we grow in faith. Here we get a summary of the individual blessings that can be claimed by the child, the parents, and the congregation.
Most of the questions I have asked (or am currently asked) about infant baptism are briefly answered at the close of the book. They are punchy and succinct, diving into both the scriptural passages and the practical concerns that families may face today (e.g. what if both parents disagree on this topic).
If you are honestly searching for the truth on this topic, I think "Covenantal Baptism" will help you on your journey, or at least help you understand the Presbyterian position more clearly. For me, it helped to open my eyes to the wonder of it all, and for that reason, I highly recommend it.
Sadly, the topic of baptism is often reduced to either a cold, intellectual debate or a heated argument about what "team” you are on.
Jason Helopoulos, however, has put together a well-crafted case for covenantal infant baptism that captures the heart along with the mind. After this short read, I am just in awe at the beauty of this practice and the kindness that it signifies.
This book helped me to understand that baptism is not a "one-and-done" procedure that we quickly forget about. In fact, it is a wonderful object lesson that God uses to continually point to and affirm the blessings that He bestows as we grow in faith. Here we get a summary of the individual blessings that can be claimed by the child, the parents, and the congregation.
Most of the questions I have asked (or am currently asked) about infant baptism are briefly answered at the close of the book. They are punchy and succinct, diving into both the scriptural passages and the practical concerns that families may face today (e.g. what if both parents disagree on this topic).
If you are honestly searching for the truth on this topic, I think "Covenantal Baptism" will help you on your journey, or at least help you understand the Presbyterian position more clearly. For me, it helped to open my eyes to the wonder of it all, and for that reason, I highly recommend it.
August 22, 2025
Solid and comprehensive. Largely accessible, though I worry about some of the quotes from Calvin, Fesko, Hodge, an others potentially going over some readers' heads. The Q&A is excellent -- particularly when he tackles the problem of membership in a church that holds a different conviction regarding baptism. I think his advice about when and how to leave a church (or not leave a church) is significantly more sound and healthy than the advice given in Smith's book on Reformed Confessionalism. This book is going to end up in a gift basket within the next month.
May 6, 2025
Is this the dagger?
4.5
4.5
August 24, 2024
Pretty good. Gonna baptist even harder though.
November 20, 2025
This was a very well written and understandable book! I appreciated the review and questions at the end of each chapter. He answered most of the questions that I have come up with regarding infant baptism in a simple and biblical way. I’m still not entirely sure where I stand on the issue, but I am much more open to it than when I started!
May 1, 2024
An incredible book, succinct and helpful. I would encourage all who seek to understand the sacrament of baptism better to read this. The book is thoughtful, humble, and scripturally sound. It asks (and answers) the question, “if children were a part of the covenant community from the beginning of the old covenant, does scripture conclude that they also are considered a part of the new covenant community?” The answer is yes, as seen in Acts 2, Colossians 2, and numerous other places in scripture. Easy read, packed with helpful content.
April 14, 2025
Will I convert??
August 18, 2024
This was by far one of the best books I have read on the topic. It was easy to read and understand and yet
very thoughtfully written. I’m excited to have my teens read this with me as well.
very thoughtfully written. I’m excited to have my teens read this with me as well.
November 5, 2025
A beautiful reasoning for the blessings of Covenant or infant baptism.
August 17, 2025
3.5 (Goodreads, please give us half star options). The Q&A Chapter was by far the most helpful part of the book for me.
January 8, 2024
Even though I don’t personally believe in infant baptism, I appreciate how thorough this author was in attempting to answer the questions people have about this topic.
February 1, 2022
Why would Christians baptize infants? Covenantal Baptism, by Jason Helopoulos, serves as a helpful primer and quick reference tool for parents, congregations, elders, and pastors.
Celebration and Conflict
After a foreword by Kevin DeYoung, Helopoulos introduces the book by beginning with the right perspective. He states that baptism is supposed to be a celebration -- but it does cause conflict in the church. So Helopoulos wants to show us the blessing and kindness that belong with the sacrament of baptism. While a “secondary doctrine,” he sees it as a significant doctrine.
Chapter 1 begins by looking at the Bible to examine baptism as well as circumcision to understand covenants. We are to see them as signs and seals provided by our Heavenly Father to bless and encourage us in the faith. And this is how it connects with the kindness of God -- our God is gracious and good.
Reformed Tradition
Chapter 2 points our attention toward Reformed tradition, showing how the testimony of covenantal continuity, of the New Testament Scriptures, of theology, and of the church answer the question: Are children of Christian parents members of the covenant community—and therefore also right recipients of the sacrament of baptism? Helopoulos shows how the covenant of grace is a thread that unifies all of Scripture.
If baptism does not generate faith, then what are the blessings of baptism? Chapter 3 says that baptism is a call to faith and faithfulness. Furthermore, it places a person under the care of the elders of a church. It is church membership, thereby giving them the benefits of church discipline. Finally, it grants the blessings of assurance and God’s eternal promises.
The Covenant of Grace
The benefits of baptizing children also extend to the parents. Granting hope and confidence alongside a call to faithful parenting are highlighted in Chapter 4. As for the congregation, Chapter 5 shows how the church is continually reminded of their faith and grows in solidarity as a family when participating covenantal baptism.
The book ends with a Q&A section, giving clear and succinct answers to the most popular questions on covenantal baptism. This book is short and accessible. Pastoral and thoughtful. Wise and practical. Well-informed and Biblical. I am challenged to see the benefits in covenantal baptism. And I am moved to worship our kind and generous God, who blesses us with Christ in his covenant of grace.
I received a media copy of Covenantal Baptism and this is my honest review.
Celebration and Conflict
After a foreword by Kevin DeYoung, Helopoulos introduces the book by beginning with the right perspective. He states that baptism is supposed to be a celebration -- but it does cause conflict in the church. So Helopoulos wants to show us the blessing and kindness that belong with the sacrament of baptism. While a “secondary doctrine,” he sees it as a significant doctrine.
Chapter 1 begins by looking at the Bible to examine baptism as well as circumcision to understand covenants. We are to see them as signs and seals provided by our Heavenly Father to bless and encourage us in the faith. And this is how it connects with the kindness of God -- our God is gracious and good.
Reformed Tradition
Chapter 2 points our attention toward Reformed tradition, showing how the testimony of covenantal continuity, of the New Testament Scriptures, of theology, and of the church answer the question: Are children of Christian parents members of the covenant community—and therefore also right recipients of the sacrament of baptism? Helopoulos shows how the covenant of grace is a thread that unifies all of Scripture.
If baptism does not generate faith, then what are the blessings of baptism? Chapter 3 says that baptism is a call to faith and faithfulness. Furthermore, it places a person under the care of the elders of a church. It is church membership, thereby giving them the benefits of church discipline. Finally, it grants the blessings of assurance and God’s eternal promises.
The Covenant of Grace
The benefits of baptizing children also extend to the parents. Granting hope and confidence alongside a call to faithful parenting are highlighted in Chapter 4. As for the congregation, Chapter 5 shows how the church is continually reminded of their faith and grows in solidarity as a family when participating covenantal baptism.
The book ends with a Q&A section, giving clear and succinct answers to the most popular questions on covenantal baptism. This book is short and accessible. Pastoral and thoughtful. Wise and practical. Well-informed and Biblical. I am challenged to see the benefits in covenantal baptism. And I am moved to worship our kind and generous God, who blesses us with Christ in his covenant of grace.
I received a media copy of Covenantal Baptism and this is my honest review.
May 27, 2025
I would put this book into the hands of an expecting family or someone new to the Reformed faith. It answers the key questions with enough material to satisfy one’s questions while also pointing beyond itself to more in-depth resources.
January 18, 2024
So much about this book I loved. Can’t say I agree with every last point. Really only two things I challenge revolving around evangelism vs discipleship and the presumption that all Christian parents have sought to raise their children according to the scriptures. None of us are perfect parents. But certainly there are negative consequences to a negligent parent who simply believes God's promises but fails to seek to "raise up their child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
But beyond that, he beautifully paints the picture of the covenant, the role of the family in biblical history, the covenant community and what infant baptism pictures. The Q and A section at the back is excellent.
I appreciated someone coming right out and saying this: “‘All baptism, inevitably administered on the basis not of knowledge but of presumption. And if we must baptize on presumption, the whole principle is yielded; and it would seem that we must baptize all whom we fairly presume to be members of Christ body.’ (B.B. Warfield) The Baptist view presumes upon the confession of an adult – that his or her confession is real and true. Covenant baptism presumed not upon an individuals promise but on God‘s covenant promises.”
I think this is a very helpful resource for this important subject.
But beyond that, he beautifully paints the picture of the covenant, the role of the family in biblical history, the covenant community and what infant baptism pictures. The Q and A section at the back is excellent.
I appreciated someone coming right out and saying this: “‘All baptism, inevitably administered on the basis not of knowledge but of presumption. And if we must baptize on presumption, the whole principle is yielded; and it would seem that we must baptize all whom we fairly presume to be members of Christ body.’ (B.B. Warfield) The Baptist view presumes upon the confession of an adult – that his or her confession is real and true. Covenant baptism presumed not upon an individuals promise but on God‘s covenant promises.”
I think this is a very helpful resource for this important subject.
March 3, 2022
This was a short and informative read on the Reformed Presbyterian view of baptism. The book addresses a lot despite it only being around 100 pages in content and ~20 pages of Q&A. I think this is a really good book for the purpose it serves, which seems to me to be informing or encouraging someone with paedobaptist presuppositions to learn and better understand their responsibilities and resulting blessings as parents or congregants. The work does address some of the Baptist counterpoints, but the predominant purpose of the book doesn't appear to be to interact with opposing views. For a book serving that purpose I'd suggest Guy Richard's book, or the Three Views book with Bruce Ware and Sinclair Ferguson representing their respective convictions. I do believe this book is helpful in the Q&A section - I found myself reading those and grasping in more depth the ways in which our Presbyterian brothers and sisters articulate their baptism convictions. I think there is a lot of good that can be learned from this book even if one does not hold to the beliefs of the author.
January 30, 2023
I had heard from a lot of Presbyterians that this book was a really good presentation of the pedobaptism POV, and I do agree. That, and a lot of what the author said about viewing our children as covenant children (and what that looks like practically, in our lives and churches, etc) I agree with and resulted in the three star rating.
While I agree with a lot of what the author says, as a reformed baptist I disagree that the end result is the baptism of children. I was actually a bit worried going into this one that I may be persuaded because I felt like I was a little shaky on the issue. But I came out more sure than ever of my credo stance and found myself arguing with the author in my head (and out loud) quite a few times.
A really well written book and a great representation of the Presbyterian POV, but I was not persuaded in the least.
While I agree with a lot of what the author says, as a reformed baptist I disagree that the end result is the baptism of children. I was actually a bit worried going into this one that I may be persuaded because I felt like I was a little shaky on the issue. But I came out more sure than ever of my credo stance and found myself arguing with the author in my head (and out loud) quite a few times.
A really well written book and a great representation of the Presbyterian POV, but I was not persuaded in the least.
March 3, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book- it was very easy to understand! Learning about baptism can sometimes be confusing/ can feel intimidating. I really enjoyed the author writing about how God has chosen from the beginning to work through families. This book really outlines the importance of children within the covenant community.
“It finds the critical point in our turning to God rather than God’s turning to us and God’s work in turning us to God. Personally, I find the baptism of a small child pictures the helplessness of man” pg. 50
“It finds the critical point in our turning to God rather than God’s turning to us and God’s work in turning us to God. Personally, I find the baptism of a small child pictures the helplessness of man” pg. 50
October 4, 2025
5 ⭐️
This was an insightful and helpful little read. My husband and I have moved from a Baptist church to visiting a presbytarian church, and we have been discussing more about credobaptism (which is what we have both grown up with and are more comfortable with) compared to paedobaptism (which just has such rich church history and a quite compelling defense within covenant theology). This book was not exhaustive, but it was a great introduction to this topic and I am excited to read the other books the author recommends on this topic to learn more.
This was an insightful and helpful little read. My husband and I have moved from a Baptist church to visiting a presbytarian church, and we have been discussing more about credobaptism (which is what we have both grown up with and are more comfortable with) compared to paedobaptism (which just has such rich church history and a quite compelling defense within covenant theology). This book was not exhaustive, but it was a great introduction to this topic and I am excited to read the other books the author recommends on this topic to learn more.
March 11, 2024
An excellent, *pastoral* treatment of Covenantal Baptism. Helopoulos' second chapter on arguments for infant Baptism might—being as succinct as it is—might be the best presentation on infant baptis I've read so far. Additionally, he helpfully points out the wonderful blessings of infant baptism for parents, churches, and individuals. I will definitely be pointing people to this helpful little work.
January 8, 2024
Very succinct and readable discussion of infant baptism. As opposed to other books on infant baptism, I would recommend this to those interested in understanding the basics of the argument quickly. You can read it in one evening.
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May 31, 2024A great book. About as close to being convinced of a Presbyterian position as I've been thus far. Jason and I have a very slight difference in what we perceive baptism to be, or maybe a different view of what the covenant community is. I think I would be convinced otherwise.
January 23, 2025
This was a great explanation of what covenantal baptism is and I appreciated most of the book! However I feel like it was a bit critical of how other denominations/churches practice baptism (covenantal or not) and I wish it hadn’t focused on that as much as it did.
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