by William Kiffin
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
William Kiffin's A Sober Discourse of Right to Church Communion addresses a crucial theological question that has long stirred debate within the Christian community: Should unbaptized individuals be allowed to partake in the Lord’s Supper? Kiffin, a notable leader among the 17th-century English Baptists, draws from Scripture, the example of the early church, and the long-held practices of Christians to argue for the necessity of baptism prior to participation in this sacred ordinance.
At the heart of the discourse is Kiffin's conviction that baptism, as commanded by Christ, is foundational to church fellowship. He demonstrates through thorough scriptural exegesis that baptism is not only an outward symbol of a believer’s union with Christ but also the first step in obedience to the commands of Christ. Kiffin cites the practices of the primitive church, where converts were baptized immediately upon their profession of faith before being admitted to the breaking of bread (Acts 2:41-42). He views any deviation from this order as a serious breach of biblical fidelity and church discipline.
Kiffin's work also engages deeply with theological reasoning, emphasizing the symbolic weight of baptism as an ordinance that signifies spiritual regeneration and entrance into the covenant community. He refutes the notion that faith alone, without the act of baptism, is sufficient for full participation in church ordinances like the Lord's Supper. He reasons that without baptism, the visible mark of a believer's profession, participation in the Lord’s Supper becomes disorderly and undermines the gospel’s command for clear and visible distinctions between believers and non-believers.
What makes this book especially engaging is Kiffin's pastoral tone. Although firm in his theological stance, Kiffin appeals for brotherly love and mutual respect, even toward those with whom he disagrees. His work is not a call for division but a plea for orderly worship based on biblical principles. Kiffin painstakingly presents arguments from both scripture and tradition, demonstrating how the consistent practice of the church throughout history has upheld his position.
For those interested in ecclesiology and Baptist history, this treatise offers not only a robust defense of believer’s baptism but also a reflection on the nature of church fellowship and the sacraments. Kiffin’s careful and scriptural approach will challenge readers to think deeply about the relationship between faith, obedience, and the sacraments in the life of the church.
About the Author
William Kiffin (1616–1701) was a prominent English Baptist minister and businessman. As one of the leading figures in the early Particular Baptist movement, Kiffin played a vital role in shaping Baptist theology and practice, particularly in matters of church order and the administration of the sacraments. He was deeply involved in advocating for religious liberty during a time of significant persecution, and his writings and leadership were influential in securing the legal toleration of Baptists in England. Despite facing opposition and imprisonment, Kiffin remained a steadfast voice for biblical fidelity and church purity throughout his life.