Christians do you believe it's better for a person to become a Christian and be baptized as an adult or child?

Question

And why? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Christian baptism, according to the Bible, is an outward testimony of what has occurred inwardly in a believer’s life. Christian baptism illustrates a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. The Bible declares, “Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:3-4 NIV). In Christian baptism, the action of being immersed in the water pictures being buried with Christ. The action of coming out of the water pictures Christ’s resurrection.

In Christian baptism, there should be two requirements before a person is baptized: (1) the person being baptized must have trusted in Jesus Christ as Savior, and (2) the person must understand what baptism signifies. If a person knows the Lord Jesus as Savior, understands that Christian baptism is a step of obedience in publicly proclaiming his faith in Christ, and desires to be baptized – then there is no reason to prevent the believer from being baptized. According to the Bible, Christian baptism is simply a step of obedience, a public proclamation of one’s faith in Christ alone for salvation. Christian baptism is important because it is a step of obedience – publicly declaring faith in Christ and commitment to Him, and identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

Recommended Resource: Believer's Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ by Schriener and Wright.

Answer 2

I dont know what to tell you. But I was baptized and became a Christian as a child. Then I was just doing what I saw my mother doing, but didn't really understand what everything was about. Just basically hearing the same thing over and over. Which was all I knew but didnt have the knowledge. But as an adult I realize what Christianity is all about and I can fully commit myself to God. But I do regret not knowing at a younger age, but I am thankful now.

Answer 3

No one has weighed in on the covenant aspect of baptism, so I'll approach it from that angle. Baptism replaces circumcision in the Old Testament. There is plenty of biblical support for thus even though it seems to be a minority view here. It doesn't mean that it's incorrect! Baptism is both for the believer and the believer's entire household, including the babies. Immersion, while appropriate for the adult, it is also correctly administered by sprinkling or pouring.

Answer 4

My personal opinion is that the person should be baptised when they're old enough to make a real decision for themselves and understand what they're doing and what it means. So at least an older child, like at least 10.

I know that those who espouse infant baptism say that they are "sealing" those children into the family of God (or words to that effect) but that contradicts the New Testament where each person has to accept Christ's Lordship first.

Answer 5

I do believe to become a Christian is a great happiness for the human being. I just deeply believe....I can not answer you why...cause I am not a priest, BUT I WOULD REALLY SUGGETS YOU TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN. MAY GOD HELP YOU AND BLESS YOU.
P.S. Better to be baptized as a child .Children should be raised as a Christian in faith and love.

Answer 6

Both have such unique advantages! Someone who believes in childhood really has a chance to have his character formed by the Lord in his really crucial years. For example, I have a friend who as a GRADE SCHOOLER prayed that the Lord would not make looks important to her, but rather make what He cares about important to her. She is probably the least vain, least obsessed with looks woman that I've ever met --- and while she's not necessarily physically spectacular, the beauty that comes from her intimacy with the Lord glows through her so much that she really is beautiful. Ever met a person whose face glows off his or her body because of the Lord? Kinda like what scripture says about Moses? Yes, like that.

An adult believer has the zeal of a convert and doesn't take things for granted as much. "He who has been forgiven much, loves much." I think it's hard to fully appreciate what the Lord has done for you when your big sins *appear* to be more minor since they are more socially acceptable (pride, gossip, etc) as opposed to drinking, drugs, sleeping around, witchcraft --- the more public sins. I'm an adult believer, and so is my husband, and so is my mother, and so is my best friend. Personally, since I often find it hard to relate to people who have known the Lord since childhood, I am glad to be what I am, and I really feel like I'm obsessed with *seeking* the Lord because I believed as an adult. But I admit that I also wish that I could erase not only my lost years, but also the consequences those birthed.

Answer 7

in most christian faiths, you are christened as babies and then choose to be baptized as adults once they have taken classes about the meaning and seriousness of the decision. it think this is best. i was christened as an infant, but didn't get baptized until i was a teen.

Answer 8

I believe children should be baptized to protect them from evil. I believe they should be raised in a faith, that doesn't frighten them with brimstone nor so touchy feely everything is wrapped in cotton candy.
I believe that a child will choose his path in his own time, but in the meanwhile the parents are the protectors of that tiny soul and should be doing all they can in that regard.

Answer 9

Matthew 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.


"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you...", can you teach babies?

Mark 16:16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved...", can a baby believe?

Acts 2:38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you...", can a baby repent?

The answer is VERY clear. You must be of an age where you understand your commitment to GOD.

GOD bless

Answer 10

A person should be baptised when they are ready to fully understand what the meaning is of what they are doing. So in essence it depends on the individual. Some mature faster and have better understanding of christian concepts earlier than others.