2007-06-16 02:25:12 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
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 to 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.
Recommended Resource: Baptism: The Believer's First Obedience by Larry Dyer.
2007-06-16 02:29:30 · answer #1 · answered by Freedom 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Infant Baptism involves a commitment of parents and family to raise the child as a Christian. Churches that practice infant baptism give the child the opportunity to 'confirm' the baptismal vows made by their family when they are old enough to commit themselves to Christ.
The teachings of Jesus, stated in the Bible, focus on faith, attitudes, and intention, not on the details of how a ritual (even a sacrament like Baptism) is performed,
2007-06-16 09:37:55 · answer #2 · answered by mr_fartson 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do not understand that Baptism
Unites a person with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Makes a person an adopted son or daughter of God,
Gives a person gifts of the Holy Spirit
Why would anyone want to deny an infant these gifts?
2007-06-16 09:31:36 · answer #3 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No where in the bible do you find a new born baby being baptized,Or may I say sprinkle. This is a catholic tradition, But I do believe that someone as yound as 4 & up, can give their life to God in Repentance, because repentance comes first & then Baptism By complete immursion in water in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, & then they can receive the baptism of the HOLY GHOST.
2007-06-16 09:35:11 · answer #4 · answered by birdsflies 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baptism is a symbol. An outward symbol that you have accepted Christ as your Savior. Infants are not capable of making a decision to accept Christ. Infant baptism is to make the parents feel better.
2007-06-16 09:41:35 · answer #5 · answered by biggestjesusfan, † Cat P.W. † 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because being baptized is a public symbol and confession of faith in Jesus Christ. It must be done consciously and willingly by the person being baptized.
Infants cannot make this decision, and they are considered sinless in God's eyes, as they have not yet developed a sense of right and wrong, good and evil.
2007-06-16 09:30:46 · answer #6 · answered by Foxfire 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Infants cannot make an informed decision to follow Christ.
Anyone who has reached that age when they can reason intelligently can be baptized.
2007-06-16 09:31:16 · answer #7 · answered by flandargo 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I had this problem with a nasty Lutheran who consigned me to hell before I could answer. I forgave him. Children are protected until the age of reason or for catholics taking Confirmation, or Jewish taking Barmitzvah.
There is a blessing, but not an acknowledgement of 'dying to the world'.
2007-06-16 09:31:53 · answer #8 · answered by Thomas Paine 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When I was growing up I was not to be baptized until I was old enough to fully understand the choice I was making. I think its a good idea actually.
2007-06-16 09:29:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Because they believe that baptism modified the first (Abrahamic) promise and not the second (Mosaic).
2007-06-16 19:11:33 · answer #10 · answered by ccrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋