Luke 18: 15-16
People were bringing EVEN INFANTS to him that he might touch them, and when the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.
Jesus, however, called the children to himself and said, "Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Luke 10: 21
In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
John 3: 5
Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Mark 16: 16
"He who believes and is baptized will be saved..."
Acts 2: 38
And Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF YOUR SINS; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
2007-04-07 11:00:38 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Matt. 28: 19
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
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2007-04-07 11:03:45 · update #1
Just a note to add to Hannah's post - while she is correct in that Matthew 18:1-4 was not an argument for baptism, it was not an argument against it either. But there was also an implication in there that children need a Savior too, because of that "equality."
2007-04-07 14:58:42 · answer #1 · answered by ccrider 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
At Matthew 18:1-4, we get a fuller description of this event: “In that hour the disciples came near to Jesus and said: “Who really is greatest in the kingdom of the heavens?” So, calling a young child to him, he set it in their midst and said: “Truly I say to you, Unless you turn around and become as young children, you will by no means enter into the kingdom of the heavens. Therefore, whoever will humble himself like this young child is the one that is the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens.”
Here Jesus is emphasizing that humility is necessary. Generally speaking, children are modest and free from pretension or ambition by nature. Jesus was telling these ones that they were to put on these modest qualities, so as actually to have the same spirit that characterizes humble children. Small children have no thought of rank among themselves but view one another as equals. Jesus went on to say the one who did this would be the greatest in the kingdom. Now, let’s say 10,000 Christians did this. Would all 10,000 be greatest in the kingdom? Of course not. Jesus was getting to the heart of the matter. The very fact that the disciples asked such a question showed that they were overly concerned with rank and status. Indeed, they had an argument three times over who among them was the greatest - including the one they had on the night before Jesus died. Jesus responded in a way to help them see the need to make a change.
This is not an argument for infant baptism. As for the account where babies were brought to him, Jesus did not baptize the babies.
Hannah J Paul
2007-04-07 18:13:13 · answer #2 · answered by Hannah J Paul 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Who did Jesus say was the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? I don't see where those passages have anything to do with that question, but here's your answer: "I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater then his master nor any messenger greater then the one who sent him." John 13:15-16 This passage occurs after Jesus washed the feet of his disciples at the last Passover meal he ate with them.
P.S. That means no one is greater then the other.
2007-04-07 18:08:25 · answer #3 · answered by ♥Raven 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We must have a servant's heart. An humble attitude, and believe Jesus is the Son of the Living God.
There are many with hardened hearts and will not believe. They don't know what they're missing in this life or the next.
2007-04-07 18:06:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Baptism is an outward sign of our salvation. Romans 10:13 says call on the Name of the Lord and be saved. Mark 16:16 (as you quoted), says believe. How can a baby believe? I believe there is an age of accountability, when children are old enough to understand salvation, and then they must do it.
We are to accept the things of the Lord as little children. As a child, you trust your parents word... no questioning it. You have faith it will be as said. I believe this is how irt works with God.
2007-04-07 18:11:29 · answer #5 · answered by RB 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
The greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven is "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child..."
- Matthew 18.1
2007-04-07 18:04:02 · answer #6 · answered by Bad Kitty! 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Children are the greatest in Heaven
2007-04-07 18:04:34 · answer #7 · answered by dadpo1960 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The greatest among you is the one who serves. Servants are the greatest in God's kingdom.
2007-04-07 18:06:57 · answer #8 · answered by Mary W 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Love the avatar!
But as for baptism goes, I dont believe in that to be a neccessity to live in eternity with God.
2007-04-07 18:04:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Mark 16: 16
"He who believes and is baptized will be saved..."
but can babies believe, or is that something that must come later in life...?
2007-04-07 18:04:30 · answer #10 · answered by aa.gabriel 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋