Diving Deeper: Baptize the Babies? A Biblical and Historical Case | Pastor John Bombaro | Ep. 43

Adam and Bethany are back with their Diving Deeper series, and welcome back Pastor John Bombaro to unpack one of the most debated topics in modern American Christianity: infant baptism.

Drawing from Scripture, the early church, and church history, Pastor John explains why the historic, global Christian consensus has baptized infants, how baptism is God’s saving action (not our personal performance), and why that matters for assurance, parenting, and everyday discipleship.

They will cover:

• The historic Christian consensus on baptizing infants (Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist)
• Why baptism is God’s objective promise and action—not our subjective decision
• How Scripture speaks of new birth, washing, regeneration, and forgiveness in baptism
• The Reformation split: Zwingli/Anabaptists vs. the conservative Reformation (Lutheran/Anglican)
• Assurance for weary Christians: why baptism anchors us when our feelings fluctuate
• Mode questions (sprinkle/pour/immerse) and the Didache’s practical guidance
• Parenting through the lens of inheritance: raising baptized children in their own faith

Guest Bio:

Pastor John Bombaro is the senior pastor of St. James Lutheran Church in Lafayette, Indiana, home to Purdue University. Formerly a missionary and church planter in Kauai, Hawaii, Pastor John holds advanced degrees in theology and has taught and served globally. He and his wife, Melinda, have four children and are celebrating 30 years of marriage. Known for his clarity, depth, and pastoral warmth, Pastor John has a passion for helping people experience the gospel not just intellectually but intimately—in heart, soul, and body.

Resources:

• Martin Luther on Baptism – classic excerpts on the efficacy of baptism (e.g., Large Catechism, Baptism).
• Robert Kolb, On Baptism – a concise, accessible introduction to baptism’s meaning and practice.
• The Didache (ch. 7) – earliest church teaching on baptism’s practical mode (running water, warm/standing water, pouring).
• Previous ATP Diving Deeper episode on Holy Communion – https://youtu.be/Mi9wC3YK6os
• Key Scripture List (for further study): John 1; John 3; Matthew 18; Luke 18:15; Matthew 28:18–20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38–39; Romans 6:3–11; Ephesians 5:25–27; Titus 3:5–6; 1 Peter 3:21; Ezekiel 36:22–27; Psalms 14 & 51; Romans 3; Ephesians 2.

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