In his work defending credobaptism on the basis of Baptist covenant theology, Benjamin Keach notes 13 differences between circumcision and baptism. He admits, of course, that there are commonalities between the two ordinances. Nevertheless, these differences continue to stand. What I found so helpful is that the list collates what have been things I have thought of in a scattered manner in the past. I’m including it here so that, not only may it be a helpful reference for me (tucked away in a Word document on my computer), but it may also help others. You do not need to agree with every point, or with the exact way he words each point, to see the value of considering the differences he lists.
“3. And whereas you say, Baptism signifies the same things that Circumcision did: it is not true, as will appear to all understanding Men, if they consider these Particulars following, which are so many Disparities, viz.
(1.) Circumcision was a Shadow of Christ to come: Baptism is a Sign he is already come, was dead and buried.
(2.) Circumcision was a Sign of the Covenant made with Abraham and his natural Seed: Baptism is a Sign of the peculiar spiritual Priviledges made to Saints, as such, and no others.
(3.) Circumcision was a Domestick Action, i.e. to be done in the House: Baptism an Ecclesiastick, belonging to the Gospel-Church.
(4.) Circumcision was to be done by the Parents in that respect: Baptism is to be done only by Gospel-Ministers.
(5.) Circumcision was the cutting off the Fore-skin of the Flesh, which drew Blood: Baptism is to be done by dipping the whole Body into the Water without drawing of any Blood.
(6.) Circumcision belonged to Male Children only: Baptism belongs to Males and Females also.
(7.) Circumcision was to be done precisely on the eighth day: Baptism is not limited to any precise day.
(8.) Circumcision made a visible Impression on the Body, which the Party might perceive when he came to Age of Understanding: Baptism leaves no Impression on the Body.
(9.) Circumcision belonged to Abraham‘s House, to his Male Infants only, or such who were bought with his Money, and not the Male Infants of any other godly Men in his days, unless they join themselves to his Family. Baptism belongs to Believers in all Nations.
(10.) Circumcision bound those who came under that Rite, to keep the whole Law of Moses: Baptism signifies we are delivered from that Yoke of Bondage.
(11.) If Circumcision signified the same things, and consequently, particularly the sealing the Covenant of Grace; then those that were circumcised, needed not to be baptized, because sealed before with the same seal of that which signified the same thing: but Christ and all his Apostles, and many others who were circumcised, were nevertheless baptized.
(12.) Circumcision signified the taking away the Sins of the Flesh, or the Circumcision of the Heart: but Baptism signifies the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Christ, which Circumcision did not.
(13.) Circumcision was to be a Partition-Wall betwixt Jew and Gentile; but Baptism testifieth that Jew and Gentile, Male and Female; Barbarian and Scythian, Bond and Free, are all one in Christ Jesus. Therefore there are invers Disparities and different Significations between Circumcision and Baptism.”
–Benjamin Keach, Rector Rectified and Corrected, 1692, pp. 5–6.
Reformed. Baptist. Growing. 