Creeds are professions. Professions may be either true or empty. It is my opinion, that those passages used to say "believe and be baptised" cannot refer to a creedal profession. They are soteriological passages (generally) and none of us will deny true belief is necessary for salvation. <br><br>Act 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? <br>Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)<br><br>I think this passage shows this. These people are asking what they must do to be saved, not baptised. Indeed, repentance and true belief are necessary for salvation, but we know the Apostles also baptised those who made professions that seemed to be empty.<br><br>Act 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. <br>Act 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: <br>Act 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: <br>Act 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) <br>Act 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. <br>Act 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, <br>Act 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. <br>Act 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. <br>Act 8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. <br>Act 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. <br>Act 8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. (KJV)<br><br>If we look at the London Confession of Baptist Faith, we can see the same.<br><br>The London Confession of Baptist Faith, Chapter XXIX<br>Of Baptism<br><br>II. Those who do actually profess repentance towards God, faith in, and obedience to, our Lord Jesus Christ, are the only proper subjects of this ordinance.[4]<br>4. Mark 16:16; Acts 2:41; 8:12, 36-37; 18:8<br><br>Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (KJV)<br><br>Same situation here. The belief part is soteriological, not a prerequisite for baptism. While the examples in the NT of baptism all followed this general idea, several families and households were baptised and no mention is made of this being the case for those baptised in this manner. The two passages in question also give us the OT understanding of who is to be baptised, those who believe, and their families and households. We cannot make belief a prerequisite, because the Bible simply does not mandate this. It doesn't say, 'believe THEN be baptised". That would be more instructional as to the prerequisite of baptism. But it says, "believe AND be baptised", both being a prerequisite for salvation. The familial covenant was simply never removed for an egalitarian view. I agree with Saint Peter when he said,<br><br>Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. <br>Act 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. <br><br>That's my $.02, and why I became a paedo-baptist within a week of becoming reformed.<br><br>Disclaimer: My understanding of baptism is taken from the 39 Articles of Religion, and the Savoy Declaration of Faith and Order, along with the scriptures.<br><br><br>God bless,<br><br>william<br><br><br><br><br><br>