EP 43: The Washing We Need, The Old Testament and Baptism - Ft. Dr Jim Renihan

In this episode of the Broken Wharfe Podcast, John-Mark sits down with Dr. James Renihan to explore the Old and New Testament foundations of baptism. Drawing from his teaching series, IRBS On The Road, Dr. Renihan explains how ritual washings in the Old Covenant point forward to believer’s baptism, why circumcision is fulfilled in regeneration—not baptism—and how baptism serves as a pastoral help to Christians.

Whether you’re Baptist, paedobaptist, or simply wrestling with the theology of baptism, this conversation provides clarity, encouragement, and a strong biblical framework.

📖 What You’ll Learn

Old Testament roots of baptism in ritual washings

Why circumcision points to regeneration, not baptism

The relationship between baptism and confession of faith

How baptism connects with church membership and prudence

Baptism’s pastoral role in assurance and sanctification

⏱️ Chapters
0:00 – Introduction
1:00 – Welcome Dr. James Renihan & IRBS On The Road
2:50 – Goals of the baptism seminar
9:00 – Baptism in the Old Testament: washings & priestly consecration
13:00 – Why New Covenant baptism is one washing
19:00 – Circumcision and regeneration in the New Testament
21:00 – Timothy’s baptism and confession of faith
25:00 – Credobaptism vs. “adult baptism”
27:00 – Baptism, church membership, and prudence with children
34:00 – Baptism as pastoral encouragement for believers
37:00 – IRBS On The Road 2025–26: Sola Scriptura & the Trinity

🔗 Resources & Links

Visit: [brokenwharfe.com] for historical reprints, covenant theology resources, and more.

Book highlight: Nehemiah Coxe on Covenant Theology with John Owen on Hebrews 8, newly available - Covenant Theology: From Adam to Christ [brokenwharfe.com/bookshop]

Invite Dr. Renihan or Dr. Scheiderer to your church through IRBS On The Road: [irbs.org] 

Contact Broken Wharfe

• Tweet us @Brokenwharfe
• Find us on Facebook at BrokenWharfe
• Follow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfe
• Email us at info@brokenwharfe.com

Thanks for listening!