BAPTISM: Is it Biblical to baptize an Infant or only once the person has matured into an Adult? (See details.)

Question

Christians who support infant baptism note that many times entire families were baptized, not just individuals. It was assumed in the Bible that if the head of a family became a Christian, the entire family would follow suit. (Acts 16:15, 18:8; I Corinthians 1:16; etc.)

Christians who support adult baptism site the conversions from other religions to Christianity in the Bible, and the decision to accept Jesus as an adult decision. (Acts 2:41; 9:18, 10:47; etc.)

This has been a point of contention between denominations for centuries. Both appear to have a biblical basis. What is your position and what is the reason for the strong animosity on this sacramental point?

Answer 1

I personally do not believe in infant baptism. Biblically, it is shown to be something that is done while making a decision.

Also, since nothing is special about the water itself, baptising an infant does... nothing. Additionally, I was baptised as an infant, and am now an atheist.

Answer 2

The arguement for the baptism of babies is an argument from silence.

It has never been assumed in Christianity that once a the head of household became a Christian the rest would follow. In the one case you mentioned, in Acts, that whole family did become believers and most likely there were no infants in that family.

Jesus makes it clear from an accurate reading of Matthew 28:19 that only new disciples should be baptized.

Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12 teach that baptism symbolizes burial, and infant baptism, rather infant sprinkling, does not symbolize burial.

The word "Baptism" means to immerse.

The infant baptism position does not have any support in the Bible.

Pastor Art

Answer 3

It is my understanding, that the whole point is the acceptance of Jesus Christ dying, for me, as my personal stand in for my sins, that is the most important step. The baptism is the acknowledgment to the public that I do accept Christ. Further more, to understand the acceptance of the Lamb as your savior, needs to be a personal and conscientious decision. Therefor, if an infant can do so by its self, than more power to it. But if it takes until the child understands at 8, 12, 15 or another age what the sacrifice Christ made, and that it involves a better understanding, than that is a better age.

I was baptized, at under one. But I don't remember it. Again at age 25 when I was "processed" by the LDS. Then again three more times, when I understood the Bible and not what everybody else wanted to teach. But until just recently, I did not understand more fully the ramifications of Jesus, baptism, and the whole Christian life.

The thing is I made my decision, not my parents. So I think infants are not ready.

We are always reminded, and very happy, when someone accepts the sacrifice Jesus made for them on their death bed. Most of these are not baptized. But because they take Jesus as their Lord and savior, I truly believe with my whole heart that they do end up in Heaven and God fully has accepted them.

Answer 4

Your position is closely allied with Martin Luther, who opposed the Anabaptists (re-baptists) who said that only adult believers should be baptized. In my mind, the matter has to do with Church authority. Infant baptism is a by proxy act that depends upon the faith of the parents. The Church acts as the instrument of God's will on behalf of the child in this case. This is something Martin Luther never questioned, though many Protestant denominations ended up siding with the Anabaptists. Perhaps, the only way to settle the issue is to say that water baptism, as a sacramental act, means nothing. But it's hard to do away with it. Jesus himself was baptized "to fulfill all righteousness." It is clear, however, that the baptism of the Holy Spirit (and the baptism of fire) are more important (Matt. 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:33, Acts 1:5, Acts 11:16). In the book of Acts, we see the apostles laying on hands for the gift of the Holy Spirit. We also see them baptizing in water; and there's at least one example of some believers who had been baptized in water, but didn't even know about Jesus Christ! (Acts 19). Water baptism, after all, was instituted by John as an act of repentance preliminary to the coming of the Christ. But the Bible declares that Jesus himself, and his disciples, as well as John and his disciples continued baptizing people in water for some time. So the issue is not easily settled by the scriptures. I once attended a Church that dedicated babies and baptized adults as a compromise. I would say this to any brother in Christ who asked me: be baptized in water (either by immersion or sprinkling--it doesn't matter) if you were not as a child; if you were, it's not necessary to be baptized again. But be filled with the Holy Ghost, for sure! Yours in Christ, Nick

Answer 5

Baptism from what the word reveils is an outward testimony of the inward work of salvation that you have consciously received through Jesus Christ.
A little picture to demonstrate salvation can be seen in the two feet involved in taking ONE full step
Believing and Being Baptised.

To baptise an infant has no real spiritual weight, since that little one does not know consciously what is taking place... Baptism is a stand that one takes to confirm outwardly what they have received and believed into Inwardly.
I believe that this kind of act should be done when someone is aware of the spiritual significance of it. In the same way no one can believe for you...in like manner no one can baptise you into a church or into a belief.. this shoud be your own decision.

Even though your family may be christian you still as an individual need to make that choice for yourself... We EACH will have to stand before God one day...our family cannot speak for us or answer for us.. we do that ourselves.

Answer 6

Water baptism is a requirement for all those who want to have a relationship with God. It indicates your desire to serve God and dedicate yourself to Him to do His will. Before getting baptized you must attain accurate knowledge of God and Christ. (John 17:3) Though, you will never stop learning, you should have a thorough understanding of God's standards. In Acts 18:8, it talks about how the people in the ancient city of Corinth who heard the Christian message "began to believe and be baptized."
So, you see, the scriptures you also mentioned showed that those who would get baptized heard the Christian message FIRST, and because of their strong faith in it, CHOSE to get baptized. And usually after they got baptized, they would share the good news of God's kingdom with others in hopes of making "new disciples" as Christ instructed.
Infant baptism is not supported by the Bible, obviously because they are too young to have knowledge about God, and their "dedication" is not by choice.

Answer 7

As a methodist, we have infant baptism. However, in this ceremony, the parents are vowing to raise the child in a christian home, continue their christian education, etc. It is only at the time the child makes their confirmation, when they are old enough to make the decision to accept or reject Christ, do they vow their faith and their baptism is confirmed.
In other words the infant baptism in the Methodist church puts faith on the parents to teach their children. The confirmation allows the child to accept their faith and become a member of the "church".

Answer 8

when one accepts Jesus as there saviour, I believe it is personal, not all inclusive of the family and an adult decision, followed by baptism and there is scripture to support that and none against it, but the whole family could accept Jesus at the same, but would be unlikely, Infant baptism is usually a pledge from the parents and members of the church to educate and bring the child up in a christian way

Answer 9

I grew up Baptist and still am. From what I've seen, babies are "Christianed" and pretty much blessed in a ceremony, where their little heads may be anointed with oil. But baptism is usually saved until they are a little older--old enough to request baptism and to know why they are getting baptized, based on what they've learned about salvation in Sunday School and in church. (Nowadays they have "Children's Church", which is during church services, in a different room, so that children can learn the lesson of that day's sermon on their level, and not be bored in church...playing, drawing, etc.).

Answer 10

Baptism is the parents dedication to raise the child in a Christian home and manner.

Adult baptism is an adult declaration in full knowledge of the sacrament and by choice to make a open commitment in public and to God that they are a child of God.

The strong animosity is nothing more than ignorance coming out of a divisional ideology and puts emphases on a ritual of ceremony instead of what Jesus did for us on the cross.
Those who do not seek peace and unity are not doing the LORD'S WORK.

Answer 11

Infant baptisim is to erase the stain of original sin, it is not a believers baptism(adult) When a child is then at the age of accountability then they confirm their lives to God and not before.

"God's mercy and grace should not be refused to anyone born, and that all human beings are equal, whatever be their size or age." Infant baptism is seen as showing very clearly that salvation is an unmerited favour from God, not the fruit of human effort. "Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, children also have need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness and brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God, to which all men are called... The Church and the parents would deny a child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God were they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth."