Presbyterians believe in Infant Baptism?

Question

They also tell me that the Bible is the only word of God. So whose word is this Infant Baptism?

Answer 1

The idea of infant baptism is related to the mistaken idea that babies are born with the guilt of inherited sin. If a baby is guilty of sin, the thought is that they should be baptized to wash away that sin.

The Bible however teaches that "sin is the transgression of the law." (1 John 3:4) If a baby is guilty of sin, what law have they transgressed? A baby is not capable of transgressing, or even understanding, any law.

But, what about inherited sin (guilt)?

This idea goes against many verses, including Ezekiel 18:20.

"The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself."

This verse clearly teaches that children do not inherit the guilt of sin.

Those who teach infant baptism many times point to the households that were baptized in the New Testament. They assume these households had infants and those young children were included in the baptism.

This, however is just an assumption. It is risky to base your doctrine on a guess that cannot be proven from the Scriptures!

In fact, the context of many of these scriptures DISPROVE infant baptism. Notice for example the household of the keeper of the prison in Acts 16.

He was baptized with his household (verse 33). But notice also, all his household was taught ( verse 32), and they all believed (verse 34). An infant cannot be taught, and an infant cannot believe. Therefore, "household" here does not include any infants.

In fact, to be baptized one must first believe and repent, therefore, baptism is not for infants. (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38)

Notice the eunuch in Acts 8. He asked, "What hinders me from being baptized?” (verse 36) "Then Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.'" (verse 37)

A baby cannot believe, therefore a baby would not meet this requirement for one to be baptized.

I hope this information helps!

Answer 2

According to this article in Wikipedia, Presbyterians do believe in infant baptism.

In Christian religious practice, infant baptism is the baptism of young children or infants. In theological discussions, the practice is sometimes referred to as paedobaptism or pedobaptism from the Greek pais meaning "child." The practice is sometimes contrasted with what is called "believer's baptism," or credobaptism, from the Latin word credo meaning "I believe", which is the religious practice of baptizing only individuals who personally confess faith in Jesus, therefore excluding small children.

Most Christians practice infant baptism. Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Assyrian Church of the East, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodist, Church of the Nazarene, Reformed Church in America, Episcopalians, United Church of Christ (UCC), Presbyterians, Continental Reformed), and others, baptize infants. Together, these constitute over 80% of all those who call themselves Christians.[1]

Numerous denominations within the Protestant tradition—including Mennonites, Amish, Plymouth Brethren, Baptists, Pentecostals, Seventh-day Adventists, Non-denominational churches, and other Arminian denominations—reject infant baptism, as do Jehovah's Witnesses, Christadelphians, and Latter-day Saints.

Answer 3

The practice of infant Baptism is the orthodox practice! It is those who deny infants Baptism who actually have the burden of proof!

Whose words? Christ's Word: "Therefore go and make disciples of *all nations*, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," Matt. 28:19.

Also see Mark 10:13-15.

Why are babies to be Baptized? "Babies are to be Baptized because
(A) they are included in the words "all nations" (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:38-39--"...This promise is for you *and your children*.")
(B) Jesus especially invites little children to come to Him (Luke 18:15-17);
(C) As sinners (Psalm 51:5), babies need what Baptism offers (John 3:5-6; Eph. 2:3).
(D) Babies also are able to have faith (Matt. 18:6; Bible narrative, John the Baptist was "filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth" in Luke 1:15, and even before birth, Luke 1:41-44).

It also should be said that the biblical understanding of Holy Baptism is *not* (A) an act of obedience or (B) merely a symbol. Rather, Holy Baptism is one of God's means of grace granted to the individual sinner. It is one of God's works for man's salvation, not a human work for his own salvation. Just like in Jesus' Baptism, it is God who robes the person in Jesus' righteousness & declares, "This is my child. In him/her, I am well pleased." Something really happens in Holy Baptism, it's not just a symbol. (A) Forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16); (B)Rescues from death and the devil (Rom. 6:3,5; Gal. 3:27; Col. 1:13-14 compare with Col 2:11-12); (C) gives eternal salvation (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Titus 3:5).

One of my favorite quotes about infant Baptism is from Gene Edward Veith (used to be the editor of World Magazine) is, "Consider, for example, the Baptism of infants. A mere baby cannot understand the meaning of this ritual. A baby has no knowledge of the Bible, no moral formation, no will capable of making a commitment to Christ. How can Lutherans say that a baptized baby is Christian, that the child has been born again, no less? And how can they square their teaching on baptismal regeneration with their teaching on justification by faith?

"Infant Baptism, in fact, is perhaps the best illustration of justification by faith. A distinctive Lutheran teaching about Baptism is that baptized infants do, in fact have faith. To be sure, a baby does not have much knowledge or capacity for choice--but faith is not a matter of intellectual mastery, nor is it a decision. Faith is trust, a relationship of utter dependence on Christ. Does a baby, in all of its incapacity, trust its mother and father? Does it have a relationship of utter dependence with its parents? Isn't the loce of the mother for her child something the baby knows, constituting the most heartfelt reality of its little existence? If a baby can have faith in its parents--resting securely dependent in their love and care--why can't the baby have faith in its heavenly Father?" *Spirituality of the Cross* by Gene Edward Veith, Jr.

I pray that in your search, you learn the whole truth & the pure Gospel for your own comfort. In Jesus' name. Amen.