Thread: Infant Baptism -- Is It Scriptural? Part Two
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Infant Baptism -- Is It Scriptural? Part Two
Posted : 29 Aug, 2011 09:41 PM
This Scripture shows how John The Baptist was Circumcised on the Eighth Day.
Luke 1:59
New International Version (NIV)
59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah,
This proves that "Teknon" includes Infants. Here, John as a "Teknon" (Infant) was Circumcised. So too is the �New Circumcision� (Baptism) for infants as well as Adults.
Peter Baptized the entire House of Cornelius, which generally included Infants and Young Children. There is not one word in Scripture about Baptism being Limited to Adults.
Acts 10:47-48
New International Version (NIV)
47 �Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.� 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Paul Baptized Lydia and her �Entire Household�. The word Household comes from the Greek word "Oikos" which is a household that includes Infants and Children.
Acts 16:14-15
New International Version (NIV)
14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul�s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. �If you consider me a believer in the Lord,� she said, �come and stay at my house.� And she persuaded us.
Further, Paul Baptizes the Household �Based� on Lydia's Faith, not the Faith of the Members of the Household. This Demonstrates that
�Parents can Present their Children for Baptism based on the �Parents' Faith�, not the �Children�s Faith�.
In Fact I would Argue that it is an Obligation of the Parents�to Have their Infants Baptized.
Acts 16:30-33
New International Version (NIV)
30 He then brought them out and asked, �Sirs, what must I do to be saved?�
31 They replied, �Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved�you and your household.� 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.
It was only the Adults who were �Candidates for Baptism� that had to �Profess a Belief� in Jesus. This is consistent with the Church's practice of Instructing Catechumens before Baptism (this has Continued On to this Age).
But this verse does not Support a "Believer's Baptism" Requirement for everyone. The Earlier one comes to Baptism, the better. For those who come to Baptism as Adults, The Church has always required them to �Profess their Belief� in Christ.
For Babies who come to Baptism, The Church has Always Required the Parents to �Profess their Belief� in Christ�on �Behalf of the Baby�.
But there is nothing in the Scriptures about a Requirement for ALL Baptism Candidates to �Profess their own Belief� in Christ (because the Church has Baptized Babies for 2,000 years).
You know, Arch, baptizing babies IS NOT a major thing, but its is a fals doctrine of your chruch no matter how long babies have een baptized. Plus, it only give them a good head wshing and cools down the little muppets. But it is NOT BIBLICAL teachings in the Bible no matter who you try to fit it into scriptures which are really in left field.
Here is an article that is worth reading that bright enlightenment....
Question: "What does the Bible say about infant baptism?"
Answer: There is much confusion about baptism in the various Christian denominations. However, this is not a result of the Bible presenting a confusing message on baptism. The Bible is abundantly clear of what baptism is, who it is for, and what it accomplishes. In the Bible, only believers who had placed their faith in Christ were baptized - as a public testimony of their faith and identification with Him (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4). Water baptism by immersion is a step of obedience after faith in Christ. It is a proclamation of faith in Christ, a statement of submission to Him, and an identification with His death, burial, and resurrection.
With this in view, infant baptism is not a Biblical practice. An infant cannot place his or her faith in Christ. An infant cannot make a conscious decision to obey Christ. An infant cannot understand what water baptism symbolizes. The Bible does not record any infants being baptized. Infant baptism is the origin of the sprinkling and pouring methods of baptism - as it is unwise and unsafe to immerse an infant under water. Even the method of infant baptism fails to agree with the Bible. How does pouring or sprinkling illustrate the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
Many Christians who practice infant baptism do so because they understand infant baptism as the new covenant equivalent of circumcision. In this view, just as circumcision joined a Hebrew to the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, so baptism joined a person to the New Covenant of salvation through Jesus Christ. This view is unbiblical. The New Testament nowhere describes baptism as the New Covenant replacement for Old Covenant circumcision. The New Testament nowhere describes baptism as a sign of the New Covenant. It is faith in Jesus Christ that enables a person to enjoy the blessings of the New Covenant (1 Corinthians 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Hebrews 9:15).
Baptism does not save a person. It does not matter if you were baptized by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling - if you have not first trusted in Christ for salvation, baptism (no matter the method) is meaningless and useless. Water baptism by immersion is a step of obedience to be done after salvation as a public profession of faith in Christ and identification with Him. Infant baptism does not fit the Biblical definition of baptism or the Biblical method of baptism. If Christian parents wish to dedicate their child to Christ, then a baby dedication service is entirely appropriate. However, even if infants are dedicated to the Lord, when they grow up they will still have to make a personal decision to believe in Jesus Christ in order to be saved.
yeah, John the Baptist was circumcised on the eight day, BUT there is no where that it is written wherein he was baptized on anyday as a baby.
Again, your scriture references are faaaaar reaching and have not one thing to do with baptizing a baby. Even when John was baptizing, he baptized unto repenetnace, a baby has nothign to repent of except being bonr to silly parents...:ROFL:
You Discount what The Early did if you cannot find it in Scripture�such as Infant Baptism. You say I don�t care how long they�ve done it�because it is not in Scripture. That makes you a Hypocrite�because She was The Church that Gave you The New Testament! She was The Church that Decided what was or was not Inspired by God!
Do you think that this Same Church�that Christ Created�that Christ Empowered�that Christ Entrusted with The Full Deposit of FAITH�is going to do something that Christ
�Told Her Not to do�?
or do you think that She will do what Christ
�Told Her to do�?
The Church was just Beginning when The New Testament was being Written. Concepts like �The Trinity� or �The Nature of Christ� or �Original Sin� and others were not yet Defined.
The Authors of The New Testament did not Write about certain things because it was either commonplace and understood by all Christians or the Concept did not come up such as The Trinity.
Infants were being Baptized�there is no reason as to why they would not be and there is nothing in Scripture that says it was forbidden. If you read the Threads the Scriptures pertaining to this are there.
There are several Scripture Verses that Speak of �Whole Households� being Baptized. While it does not say that Infants �Were In� those households�it does not say that they �Were Not In� those households.
Acts 10:47-48 Peter Baptized the �Entire Household� of Cornelius.
Acts 16:15 - Paul Baptized Lydia and her �Entire Household�. The word "household" comes from the Greek word "Oikos" which is a household that includes infants and children.
Acts 16:33 - Paul Baptized the Jailer (an Adult) and his �Entire Household� (which had to include Children)
1 Cor. 1:16 - Paul Baptized the Household ("Oikos") of Stephanus
The Concept of �Age of Reasoning� is a New One started recently. Where in Scripture does it say that you have to be of a certain age to be Baptized.
I gave you Scripture stating my points. Would you think it fair for you to Dispute me�by using Scripture? Where are your Verses?
Arch, darling, it would nice if YOU would read with spiritual understanding wgat God speaks in His word. As I've said WE WERE NOT BORN WITH ADMA'S SIN, WE WERE BORN WITH A PREDESPOSITIONAL NATURE TO SIN. There is a BIG DIFFERENCE between the two.
What part of Ezkiel 18 do you NOT understand, and what part if the definition of IMPUTED do you NOT comprehend? And what part of Romans chpater 5, chapter 6, chapter 7, chapter 8 DO YOU NOT SPIRITUALLY RECEIVE? Nevertheless, here is something for your, and allother who believe in MAN MADE doctrien and false teachings of infant baptism based on the very scriptures you try to based this lie upon. READ! lol...
Faith and repentance are prerequisites to baptism The concept of infant “baptism” is totally foreign to the Holy Scriptures. This practice stems from the erroneous teaching of “original sin.” The Bible does not give one single example or command of any baby being baptized anywhere. The Bible does not teach babies are born separated from God. On the contrary, Jesus taught that the kingdom of heaven belongs to little children… But Jesus said, "Allow the little children, and don't forbid them to come to me; for to such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven."- Matthew 19:14
To explore the topic of infant baptism we must also look into the erroneous teaching of “original sin.” The idea behind baptizing a baby is to remove “original sin”, i.e., the sin of Adam and Eve. But if humans are “born in sin” and separated from God, then Jesus would not have been sinless. Jesus was not 50% God and 50% man. He was 100% God and 100% man. And “He committed no sin…” (1Peter 2:22; See also Hebrews 4:15) Sin is something we commit. Sin is not something we are born with or “in”. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law:for sin is the transgression of the law. - 1John 3:4 The process of falling is a step-by-step process in which we turn away from God and commit acts contrary to His will:but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. – James 1:14-15
Notice in the above verses nowhere does it even imply we are born in sin. Paul taught that we fall short because we sinned- “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”-Romans 3:23 The word “sinned” is an active verb. It means we did something. We sinned. Although we have a disposition to sin, we are not born lost and separated from God. How can babies who can’t even yet speak, sin? Paul reiterates this idea again:Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned—Romans 5:12
Notice this does not say men were born into sin. It says death comes because we all sin. The word “sinned” is an active verb. This means we have an active hand in our own demise. It is something we do to ourselves. Sin is an act. We commit sin; We are not born condemned. The act of Adam gave men the choice to sin because sin was now present. In Eden, Adam’s eyes were opened and he realized he had a choice in whether to obey God or not. He saw the two paths set before him: obedience or disobedience. God gives us free will.
The Bible says we all have chosen the wrong path at some point. Adam’s act brings death. In choosing to follow Adam’s path we die.Jesus Christ’s act brings life. In choosing to follow Jesus’ path we live. But whether in Adam or in Christ (the Second Adam), we make a choice. And the end result is a result of that choice. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.-- Romans 5:19 Or in other words: In Adam, we do not die until we choose to disobey. In Christ we do not live until we choose to obey. But the end result of either is from the choice we make to obey or disobey. Both choices we have exist in the world as a result brought about by the actions of these “Adams”. Adam’s disobedience doesn’t make every baby born lost anymore than Christ’s death automatically makes every human being found. Through Adam, sin has been set before us. Through Christ, righteousness has been set before us. If every human was born separated from God because Adam sinned and died, then every human being would be spiritually alive (saved) because Jesus obeyed and lives. But we can’t be saved unless we make a decision and choose to follow Christ. Likewise, we don’t die spiritually until we choose to disobey God—and sin. When Adam’s “eyes were opened” he realized he had a choice—and we know what choice he made. Ultimately, whether we live or die, comes about by a choice we make. Another problem with the doctrine of “original sin” is that it teaches people they don’t have to take responsibility for their own sins.
Paul explains that there was a time when he was alive once (probably meaning as a child), but when God’s Law came (and he broke it), he died—just as Adam and Eve died when they sinned. “For I was alive apart from the law once: but when the commandment came, sin came to life, and I died.” –Romans 7:9 Even in the Old Testament there is evidence to reason that babies are not born lost and separated from God:"Why didn't I die from the womb? Why didn't I give up the spirit when my mother bore me? Why did the knees receive me? Or why the breast, that I should nurse? For now should I have lain down and been quiet. I should have slept, then I would have been at rest –Job 3:11-13 The Bible often uses the term “sleep” and “rest” to describe a person who has died and gone to heaven. See 1Cor 15:6,18,20
The reasoning behind the error of baptizing babies and infants is to remove “original sin” so that if they die they will go to heaven. But the Bible teaches each man is accountable to God for his own sins, not the sins of others. Ask your Jewish friends. The concept of “original sin” is foreign to Judaism. Yet say you, Why does not the son bear the iniquity of the father? when the son has done that which is lawful and right, and has kept all my statutes, and has done them, he shall surely live. The soul who sins, he shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be on him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be on him. –Ezekiel 18:19-20, and "Fathers shall not be put to death for their sons, nor shall sons be put to death for their fathers; everyone shall be put to death for his own sin," --Deuteronomy 24:16
We are not held responsible to God for Adam’s sin. Babies are not born separated from God. Therefore there is no need to remove “original sin.” Baptizing an infant is an attempt to remove sin that is not there. Sin is disobeying God’s commands. Sin is falling short of His laws. What command has a baby disobeyed? Babies are not lost. This is why we only find believing, repentant adults, who have made conscious decisions to follow Christ, being baptized in the scriptures! #1.) an infant does not hear or understand the Gospel of Christ #2.) an infant cannot therefore believe in Jesus #3.) More importantly, an infant has no sin and therefore has nothing to repent of, and needs no forgiveness.
Faith must always precede baptism. Once a child grows and matures and becomes disobedient (and therefore sins) baptism can then enter the equation along with faith and repentance. No one knows what this “age of accountability” is, however; Each person is different.
Questions for those that still want to say babies are “born in sin” or actually commit sin…. But someone will say…“Ok, although I was baptized as a baby and I don’t even remember it, my parents told me it happened and then I went through “confirmation” when I was 13….” What is one “confirming”? Is one confirming belief (faith) in Jesus Christ as the Son of God when baptized as an infant? Is one “confirming” repentance of sins not yet committed as an infant? Is one “confirming” making a decision to follow Christ when one was an infant? Baptism in the Holy Scriptures only occurs after faith in Christ, not the other way around. You see, infant baptism is a complete and total error.
The concept of “original sin” is a false teaching that prevents people from being baptized correctly. If one is baptized as an infant; if one went through “confirmation” they were not baptized correctly. It needs to be done correctly, according to the scriptures to be saved. Please do not delay.
But what about Psalm 58:3? Psalm 58:3 Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward and speak lies.Although this verse is usually cited in support of saying we are born lost, upon closer examination, this verse actually adds to the argument against all being born in a'lost states' If one is going to insist upon a literal interpretation of this verse, then let's look at it literally. The verse says "the wicked go astray" from birth. This implies two classes of individuals: 1.) the wicked and 2.) the righteous. If it is the wicked who go astray, then the righteous do not go astray. Therefore, not all are born lost. If all are born lost then they cannot go astray. They are already astray! I cannot go outside of a house unless I am first inside it. I cannot leave a place unless I am first there. This verse cannot be used to support that all people are born in a lost state because it teaches the exact opposite. Who goes astray? The wicked. Who then does not go astray? The righteous.
The false doctrine of 'original sin' teaches one class at birth, not two. We must always be careful when attempting to build entire doctrines around the often poetic verses of the Psalms, especially when our conclusions may run contrary to the vast weight of other Scriptures. Often times the language is symbolic, or employs literary techniques such as hyperbole (exaggeration) to make a point. It can be seen that this verse is symbolic because babies do not come out of the womb able to talk. It is the state or our heart that causes us to walk away from God. But God creates us all with a "clean slate." That is why Jesus said it was necessary to be "born again" (John 3:3). If we are born lost, what would be the point of being born again? What good would it do?
Another common question about infant baptism: What about the household of the jailer in Acts 16? It says his whole household was baptized. Doesn’t that mean infants would be present? Actually, no. Just the fact that a whole household of people were baptized does not mean infants were automatically present. Millions of people around the world live in households where there are no infants present. This passage is often used in a vain attempt to justify the unbiblical practice of infant baptism. But if one actually reads the passage carefully, one will see that this passage actually tells us no infants were present!
Let’s look at it: Acts 16:32-34 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family. What this passage says regarding infant baptism: 1.) Paul and Silas spoke the Word of the Lord to all those in the jailer’s household. 2.) All members of the jailer’s family were baptized 3.) The whole family of the jailer came to BELIEVE in God.
Conclusion: Since every member of the jailer’s family came to BELIEVE (after having heard the Word preached to them) there could not possibly have been even a single infant present because infants cannot BELIEVE in God. Infants are not capable of understanding the “Word of the Lord”, nor can infants be described as “having come to believe in God.” Therefore, everyone in the household of the jailer was old enough that they could hear and understand the gospel being taught to them, and come to a personal faith in Christ. Only when an individual is old enough to believe the gospel do they become a valid candidate for baptism. http://www.bebaptized.org/ButIwasbaptizedasaninfant.htm
heeeey, does anybody know what's with all the numbering in artilce postings? There were none in the OP artilce nor were there any references, but they tend to show up when an article is posted. At least of late in the ones I've posted. wonder why?:excited:
Hebrews 11:1,6: Now faith is being sure of what we:rolleyes: hope for and certain of what we do not see...Without FAITH it is IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD, because anyone who comes to Him MUST BELIEVE that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him!"
It is impossible for an infant to have FAITH that God exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Romans 10:17: "Faith comes from hearing:rolleyes: the message, and the message is heard through the WORD of Christ!"
And it is impossible for an infant to receive Faith by hearing and understanding the message!!
I Peter 1:23,24: For you:rolleyes: have been born again... through the Living and enduring Word of God...and the Word of the Lord stands forever, and this is the Word that was preached to you."
And so a person is born again by hearing and understanding the Word of God which is impossible for an infant.
John 1:11-13: "To all who received Him {Jesus}, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural descent, *NOR OF HUMAN DECISION* or a husband's will {Such as child baptism}, but BORN OF GOD!":applause:
Grace is God's unmerited favor.
Ephesians 2:8-10: "For it by grace you:rolleyes: have been saved, through faith--and this is NOT from *YOURSELVES*, it is the *GIFT* of God--not by works {Including baptism}, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.":angel:
The Satanic idea of Baptismal Regeneration is so ridiculous that it is not even worthy of consideration. That some Satanic Priest saves you by sprinkling you with some water??
Anyone who is truly Born of God and receives the FREE GIFT of Faith will of course by very anxious to obey all of the approximately 400 commands in the NT including the command to be baptized.
Luke 3:15,16: John the Baptist said, "I baptize you with water, But one more powerful than I will come, the throngs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire!":applause::peace:
Arch, if you read those chapters I gave to you, and if you read the artticle I posted you will find all the scriptures you need.
There ARE NO SCRIPTURES in the bible wherein children were baptized. We know that we are called ot repent of our sins and be baptized as a public showing and testimony of our faith. PERIOD!
Babies have no sins, because they again born innocent wihtout sins. No where in the Bible are we told that we are born with Adam's sins. As I said, and as God speaks in those chpaters I gave to you, and as is written in the article I posted... God did not make us RESPONSIBLE for Adam's sins, but we have inherited the sin nature (predisposition) of Adam TO sin... Romans chapter 5
