INFANT BAPTISM, RIGHT OR WRONG, IS IT SCRIPTURALLY CORRECT
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I realize that this will not be a popular Hub for either Christians or Catholics who read it, but I felt this is one area that as a Christian we seem to ignore and or avoid, possibly knowing that what is being done is wrong and sinful, yet we choose to do it in order to appease society, or family. Maybe we do not even see it as wrong or sinful?
God and Jesus and Holy Spirit, never once told me that my walk with them was going to be a popular thing or a popularity contest, just the opposite, they warned me that I might have to turn from family and friends in order to walk the walk and talk the talk of Jesus. This is one of those times.
There are man things that we do in life, that we do for the good of others. One such thing is "Infant Baptism". Maybe We do it believing that we are safe-guarding the child from satan and cleansing the child from the "Sin of Adam". Maybe we do it in order to appease grandparents who are insisting upon it. Neither of these reasons is right, not for the sake of the child nor according to Holy Bible Scripture, and God definitely does not see it as a good thing, as it does not agree with His Word in The Holy Bible.
There is absolutely no scripture, Old testament or New testament that says that it is right and proper to baptize an infant. There is absolutely no Bible Scripture that tells us that the sin of Adam can be, or is cleansed from such a ceremony. Yes Baptism will cleans Adam's sin but not in an infant, who doesn't even know that it's sinned. Please don't get me wrong, I see nothing wrong with a Christening ceremony where the child is named and the parents pledge to bring the child up with Christian values but baptism is totally different from a christening or naming ceremoy.
Under Hebrew Law or the Laws of Moses, passed down by God Himself, it is not until a child is at the approximate age of thirteen, is the child considered able to make an informed decision as to whether or not through a Mitzva, he or she, wishes to become a part of the Jewish Faith or not, and even then the child must undergo months of study, to learn much about the Hebrew Torah and the "Laws of Moses." The Hebrew Candidate must be able to understand the laws and form an informed decision, whether or not this is for him or her.
Christians and especially Catholics feel that it is alright for an infant to be baptized having two adults stand as witness, "God Parents" who speak for the child. This is a falsehood, a misconception and a false teaching, not backed by biblical scripture. As I see it this is nothing more than a way for the Church to grab some extra cash.
How is it possible for an infant to understand that it is with sin, and that the sin can only be removed by baptism, being re-born in Christ?
How can an infant even know what sin is and its danger to the soul?
How can an infant know satan, let alone know if He or She would renounce Him? As an infant what does "Renounce" even mean? Who or What is a satan anyway?
How can an infant possibly make an informed decision whether or not it wishes to follow Jesus?
As Christians these are questions that should be going through the minds of the parents before they rush into such things, not merely do it to keep Grandma happy.
One should be able to know and understand, not only good and evil right and wrong, but one must be willing to whole-heartedly believe in God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and stand ready knowing the full meaning of their convictions and commitment, to be ready willing and able to renounce satan and adopt Jesus Christ as God saviour and redeemer. Anything less would not be right. Our Lord, who was without sin, waited until he was 30 years old.
Lastly it is the belief and feelings of this writer, that for a Baptism to be proper and complete, one should if possible, ask his or her pastor for a "Total Immersion, Baptism." Just having some Christian Pastor or Catholic Priest merely sprinkle a few drops of water over one's head is not a baptism in the truest form, after all if it was good enough for Jesus to be fully immersed, then why not you and me and the children.
A baptism should be a solomn yet joyous occasion, where an informed candidate stands ready willing and able to know satan as their enemy, and welcome God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, into their lives, accepting Jesus as confessor,redeemer,saviour, and intercessor with God Our Father and be willing to offer up their lives in full submission and service to God.
Indeed baptism serves to cleanse us, but baptism would have no purpose no meaning at all if it were not for the crucifixion and resurrection of Our Lord.
AMEN!
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brotheryochanan, I was never a strong Catholic, I seldom agreed with Catholic principles. I attend Catholic church because I enjoy singing their music, english,latin,french,italian,german,even irish and hebrew, and russian, its a pleasure to be able to sing for God in so many different languages, and the music is both traditional and new christian.
I love the variation in music not just the same boring stuff.
Brother Dave.
Great hub Dave.
Baptizing a baby for the sake of tradition or for some odd sense of spiritual cleansing for an innocent baby is not scriptural. We should never ever take the word of a minister or church tradition. We always need to ready and open to hear the Word of the Lord ourselves.
It isn't the baptism that saves. It is the sacrifice, freely offered by Jesus.
Water alone doesn't wash away dirt. Baptism without repentance is useless. Children who have a commitment and an understanding, yes. Infants no. Good hub Dave.
Joni I fully agree. Jesus is the sacrificial lamb whose shed blood cleanses us from our sin for not only was blood out-poured from his side but water too, living water.
Brother Dave.
Asahd2, I feel it necessary that any child wishing to be baptized should be able to read the bible and understand what it is they read and be able to explain it. This ability says that they can form an informed opinion therefore having the right to ask for baptism. No infant is capable of this.
Brother Dave.
Dave, although what you say is in effect true. There is another aspect that i see.
I have been to a Catholic christening and as the only time the parents went to Church was for funerals, i must say that i felt it was a pointless exercise. This is a dedication to Christ and as the child would not again grace the steps of the Church unless they choose to marry in one. What is the point? They receive no Christian input at all.
However when a young Christian couple who love the Lord and attend Church on a regular basis have a child and they want to dedicate it to God. I believe that they are well within their rights to do so.Especially when God has given them the miracle of new life.
Blessings.
texashubber, the water represents the cleansing away of "Adam's sin" as well as the sins the candidate for baptism has committed in his or her life prior to their baptism, as well as sins to follow, as the candidate accepts Jesus as their resurrected saviour and redeemer, thus removing spiritual death from that person.
Brother Dave.
Loves To Read, I see nothing wrong with a mother and father promising God that they will do their very best to teach a child about God, and raise the child in a Godly and spiritual environment. I see nothing wrong with parents asking their pastor for a Blessing over their infant child, and I know that God would welcome and approve. This is how God would want it, until the time comes that the child has reached the age where it can reason and draw its own conclusion, as to whether they want to accept God and Jesus into their own lives.
Brother Dave.
Good Hub Dave. I am a lay pastor and do dedicate babies as an act of the parents promising to God to raise the child in church. Baptism we believe is reserved for those old enough to know what it means and what they are doing. Baptism is an "answer of a good conscience toward God" 1 Peter 3:21 Thank for tackling a controversial subject.
Brother Dave Sibole; you have the right way of doing things, as far as I am concerned. The parents dedicate themselves to the upbringing of the infant, promising to provide Christian beliefs and values, this is great.
Baptism is a promise between a person and Almighty God where the person pledges to accept Almighty God, as God and Jesus as Redeemer, to be washed in the cleansing blood and waters of Jesus. How can any parent expect that an infant, could understand this let alone agree to it. Once the child is old enough to understand the fulness of becoming Baptized in Christ, then its time, but not before.
Brother Dave.
In our church we baptize at the age of 8, if the child feels ready to do so.....and then later is confirmed a member of the church, and all infants are blessed a few weeks after birth by their fathers, and we call it a Father's Blessing. It's really neat to see the child who was once blessed by their father, and continually so through the years, if sickness requires it or the occasional blessing each year before school, and it is awesome to see that same child walk in the ways of righteousness get baptized by the man, their father, that blessed them 8 years later. Now, do we also baptize with the same ordinances newcomers, and converts that are older than eight? Of course we do. And even this is a sight to behold.
The Conservative; sounds to me like your church has the right idea and I'm so pleased to read thereis so much enthusiasm with the various ceremonies.
Brother Dave.
Hi There Dave.
Nowhere in the Bible does the word of God prescribe or give any detail on child or youth baptism.
Child baptism is a continuation from Pagan remnants of child sacrifice instead of fire they use water.
See the parallel: When you bring your child as an offering to a " god " to appease him,
In reality it is pagan religion that they are following plain and simple.
Here is the reality of the condition of children spiritual wellness.
1Cr 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
Go well
Bro' Dave, a fine job you have done with a topic that I have seen over the years as an act that supports un-biblical, practices I don't understand, but a church who says it's a must, is one I can't attend as I'm forced to wonder about why they veer away from the word to teach or require something that just adds to the load of one trying to understand what they really need to know. dust
I was once a Catholic and was baptized as an infant but when I was converted to true Christianity I came to know through the Bible that infant baptism is not WRONG.
Go Dave, great message. I was raised Catholic and baptized as an infant. Catholics are also taught that if a baby dies before it can be baptized, it's soul goes to Purgatory another unbiblical teaching. What opened my eyes about Roman Catholicism and how completely offbase some (not all) of their teaching can be was after I read the book called the Message by Eugene Peterson (a paraphrase of the New Testament).
Thanks again for the article.
Hoowantstono; I don't know about the pagan ritual part brother, but I do know that it is not scriptural. That's why I wrote the Hub in the first place. I cannot say with certainty when a child is old enough to be able to understand the true responsibilities attached to a proper Christian Baptism and their relationship with Jesus, but the parents, and a good minister or pastor, should know when a child understands enough to be ready to be baptized.
Brother Dave.
Dusty my brother; thank you for weighing in on this topic. I believe the Catholics more than any other push for this, and of course the priest is right there with his hand out to collect whatever donation is asked and more. The fact of the matter is though, there is no scripture in either Testament that instructs us when it is right for a person to be old enough to understand the significants of such an important ritual and for some adult to stand up for an infant and declare the infant is ready and able is ludicrous.
Brother Dave.
Greenlily thank you for your comment. As a Christian who attends still a Catholic Church, I see so many errors in Doctrine, I have limited myself to my singing with the church choir. I love music, I've sung in choirs for 45 years, and I enjoy the variation in the kinds of music being sung today, from the Classical Latin to the more contemporary sung in many different languages too. I also enjoy socializing with my fellow choristers.
Brother Dave.
carolegalassi; welcome as a new member to my hubs. It's always nice to see a new face and read fresh comments, especially from those of us who have been in the ranks of the Catholic Church. It wasn't until my Confirmation ceremony that I began reading, I mean really reading my Bible some 49 years ago, that I realized just how misinformed I was, actually brainwashed might be a better word. I decided then that I would keep the knowledge that was biblically correct and ignore the rest.
Carolegalassi, I don't know if you have noticed it or not, but a priest is really not required for a Baptism or for confession of sin. As a Christian we are all called to baptize according to Holy scripture in the Bible. This is under Jesus Authority. Also you can lift up your sins directly to Jesus as He is truly the only one who can cleanse you from them.
Brother Dave.
Baptism alone doesn't provide grace. If a person could be saved by baptism, I'd start dragging people off the street and immersing them under water. Baptism is a transliteration from the greek word, baptizo. The translation of that word is "to dip, plunge or immerse." To correctly understand the scriptures, they must be taken in total and make sense. John 3:16 says that we are saved by faith. Luke 13:3 says we are saved by repentance. Romans 10:9 says we are saved by confessing Jesus is Lord. Acts 2:38 says we are saved by being baptized. Surely the Bible does not give a number of "options" to be saved, leaving us to decide which way of being saved we prefer.
The only way of harmonizing what we read is to understand that a person who believes in the Lordship of Jesus, is willing to acknowledge that fact, who has repented of his/her sins, and who is willing to submit to baptism can be saved. We aren't saved by faith alone, or by repentance alone, or by being baptized alone. Infants are not baptized biblically because biblical baptism is immersion only, by precedent as well as by the greek language, and I don't know of any church who immerses infants. It is also not a valid baptism because it excludes the need for faith, repentance, and confessing the Lordship of Christ. It places a too great emphasis upon the act of baptism. The act of baptism is nothing more than getting wet unless it is accompanied by faith, repentance and confession of the Lordship of Jesus.
Having said that, we can only honor Christ by becoming involved in dialogue with believers who believe in infant baptism. One of the last prayers of Jesus, in the garden, was for believers to be one. Those are just my copper tandems. Peace to all.
Thamuss; thankyou for expanding my Hub with scripture to validate my point. It is most appreciated.
Brother Dave.
Dave - this is something about the church that really bothers me. Esp. in Catholic and Protestant churches. When I was born w/ a heart defect my Lutheran grandparents told my mome they better have me baptized right away because if I died I wouldn't go to heaven without being baptized. When my daughter was born over 2 months early in a Methodist hospital the chaplain came by and asked if I wanted my baby baptized. I told her no. I knew that even if she didn't make it, she would still go to heaven. What bothers me about this doctrine is that not only is it not scriptural but I think it gives people the false hope that as long as they have been baptized they will go to heaven when they die - which is also not scriptural. It doesn't take baptism to get to heaven - it takes a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and faith in Him. My daughter has never been baptized but she will be when she decides she wants to be.
Thank you for writing this hub.
Cari Jean; Our relationship with Jesus is by far thee most important thing but I need you to think about something, if Baptism were not crucial to our salvation also then why did jesus instruct His apostles to Baptize and to spread the word of His Gospels? Why did Jesus give an importance to Baptism? Think about that please Cari Jean.
I'm not saying that a parent should rush out and push their child or teens into baptism, but when they are ready to recieve Jesus as their
saviour, baptism is a part of that " RITE "
Brother Dave.
Nice hub about baptism. Baptism is a public declaration of our union with Christ. Baptism represents the death, burial and resurrection of JesusChrist. Baptism symbolizes the death of the believer to his sinful life and his rising to a new life with God. It is one of the most beautiful christian rituals every disciple of Christ should follow. I am also not favoring infant baptism. For I believe that true repentance must precede baptism. An infant is not yet capable of repenting. Blessings to you and your family. Regards.
Ate'Cristina thank you. I'm so glad you saw my point, about an infant not being able to form a decision.
Brother Dave.
Much is said already and thank you for pointing out the non-biblical ritual some Christians observe and practice. I think us believers should be able to confront our priests, pastors or Elders why certain practice or beliefs are upheld when they are unbiblical: eg, the Catholics say this before receiving the Holy Communion, “Lord, I am not worthy to receive You but only say the word and I shall be heal.” This I believe is wrong – Jesus died on the cross so we are worthy to receive Him however many times it takes for us to come into full repentance and sincerity. In the case of Saul took a bright light to knock him off his “high horses”, you may say – to transform him. Peter it took him three times denying Christ. Even after that, at the boat when they saw Jesus floating on water, he stepped off the boat and onto the water in excitement; was standing on water for a moment until looked – fear was within him he sank into the water. Also, what about praying to statues of Saints and Mother Mary? Didn’t Jesus say the only way to the Father is through Him and He has gone ahead interceding for us?
However, I believe this needed to be brought up: in the bible it mentioned that even the devil never doubted the power of Christ – they even feared Jesus and begged for Jesus to not order them to the Abyss (John 8:26-39). Yet the Jews and the religious priests ordered for Jesus to be crucified – They chose Barabbas to be released over Jesus. Jesus warned against religiosity. Religiosity can blind us from our Spiritual faith. In the story of Saul on the way to Damascus to kill Christians: scales fell out from his eyes when a bright light came upon him and his soldiers. With this I’m merely pointing out that even the devil were afraid of Jesus and yet the religious Jews weren’t even afraid of Christ. Religiosity like pride of Satan can keep us in eternal damnation.
Acts 2: 36-41 says quite clearly as to why we need to be baptized and when: The Lord our God will call on us to be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins because we will be like the God fearing Jews: who felt the cut to their hearts and asked Peter what they should do – of which they were called to repentance and to save themselves from the corrupt generation – through our baptism we receive the gift of Holy Spirit. We are saved through the grace and mercy of God through Christ Jesus – we are not saved from the works we do – we are saved by our faith, belief and obedience – plus, we are saved by our trust in Him that He shall deliver us from all things. It’s then in our gratitude we offer our thanksgiving and servitude to our Lord that reflect the love of His for us and out unto others. Let us all serve the Lord in Spirit and in truth.
Apologize for the long comment, hopefully I get the truth across correctly in my limited understanding.
Vogue4us: Thank you for dropping by with your thoughts. Please do not feel you have to apologize for leaving a long comment, every word is welcome. I welcome reading from someone new. I agree that we should be able to discuss and try and change the things in the church practices that are not scripturally proven correct. It only makes sense.
Hopefully, before it's too late the churches practicing unscripturally proven practices will change their bad habits, before God gets really upset with them.
Brother Dave.
I agree with your hub. Baptism doesn't save anybody. Repentance, confession and belief in the heart leads to salvation as scriptures tell us in Romans, in Mark and even the ever popular John 3:16. Babies cannot do any of these things. Baptism symbolizes the commitment you have made. But first you have to make the commitment. If the parents are believers and walking in God's way, the children are holy. (Corinthians) When the child understands what they are doing and saying, they can confess and believe and be baptised.
JOHN: 3: 16-18 are my favourite verses that spell out Christianity for me and something I aspire to also.
Interesting points and views. I also think you should know why you are getting baptized.
My point exactly Sky. Baptism is something that we do after making an informed choice to do so.
Brother Dave.
Brother Dave. You are right. I dint see and i have never read anywhere in the bible where infants are baptized. I go around blessing children, why, Jesus did it. People in my congregation get offended when i refuse to practice what i don't find in the bible. Worse when i do what is in the Bible they get even more offended. masaa
massa; I know what you are saying. I come across many who when confronted with scripture that goes against their "Church faith" will argue and argue.
(just a picture) It's like they have a gun but no bullets to load it with. What they don't seem to understand is that I'm standing there with their bullets in my opened hand.
When it's time for God to open their minds, He will.
Brother Dave.
Hi Dave. You are the first that I have ever heard speak on infant baptism. I guess I did think of it as a protection, christianing a child. But I never really considered it as a baptism that consist of being submerged in the water. And any child baptized as an infant needs to be baptized when they know who Jesus is.
I like your hub and I really like your profile introduction.
maewallace22: The Catholic church treats a baby christening as a baptism with the sponsors or God Parents speaking for the baby. There is no total submergance of the child just a simple blessing on the fore-head but they call it a baptism just the same. But even a christening of a child, in a Non Catholic ceremony holds no value for the infant, only the church gains through the donation given to pay for the christening. It's nothing more than a scam as far as I'm concerned perpetrated by the churches to make money.
John the Baptist asked nothing but repentance.
Thanks Dave. What you said does really make a lot of since. You know somethings are Fads. You know like monkey see monkey do. People don't take the time to find out if something is right or wrong, they do what they consider is the norm and I for one am truly guilty. But I am growing stronger everyday in the Lord. I will be keeping up with you. I like you.
maewallace22: I'm surprized that so called Christian denominations are using Christening for anything more than the naming of the child, and shame on the pastor, if he is asking money for it.
Great hub, Dave! Truth is truth anyway you look at it. Thanks for speaking out.
The issue at hand clearly shows that when man rely on their own intellect, there is bound to be man-made doctrines that deviate from what God intended. Although there are no specific bible verses on this issue, the answer to this was already addressed a few hundred years after Christ left his disciples. Baptism is symbolic of the death and resurrection of Christ, and doing it to babies is not only foolish but a clear act of 'abomination' to God.
I agree with you, yet it happens more and more everyday.
That is so true.
Agording to the bible one must first hear and understand the gospel!how can a baby hear and understand?Then you need to believe the gospel!how can a baby believe?then one need to repent of your sins ? how can a baby do that?then you need to confess that you believe that Jesus is the Son of GOD No baby can do this!
Reghardt: You hit the nail on the head. No infant is capable of any of these things, still parents and churches practice such rituals.
I am a South African and I live here to.The people are brainwashed from when they are small to believe all of these rituals that is not correct.They just believe everything they are tought and this is so SAD.
It is so simple to show them that they are wrong but it so hard to get them to believe.
Reghardt: You are so right. It is brainwashing on an epic scale. Trying to help them see the error of their ways is really God's work, all one can do is present the truth, and hope for an open minded person.
Dave : good thought provoking and scripture based write up. I'd like tore-iterate that while a direct command of Jesus : Baptism is neither necessary nor sufficient for salvation which comes only by "...believing and confessing that Jesus is Lord and came in the flesh and rose from the dead on the third day..."...Enough scriptural exposition there by Paul in Romans there and by other apostles too....
Yet it is a direct commandment. Interestingly Jesus HIMSELF NEVER baptized anyone (only his disciples...see Johns Gospel for spelling it out exactly how it was)...
Also I find the pressure to Baptise kids when they are 12 or 13 in Pentecostals no different than the so called infant baptism. Having "no tradition" is a tradition in itself!!
:)
Jay: Indeed salvation comes only through Jesus. It is commanded of us to Baptise as it cleanses away sin. When one enters the baptism waters, one is clothed in sin, but when one is raised up out of the baptims waters one is dead of their sin and becomes "Born Again in Christ"
As for Jesus baptising personally, we do not know whether he himself performed baptism for the people. I would assume that if Jesus commanded it, He also did it, although if he spoke the words, "Your sins are forgiven" that would be the same thing.
Dave,
No where does it say anywhere in the Bible that Baptism cleanses sins. Do you have any reference?. Or are we teaching the traditions of men as commandments of God?
Here is the clearest exposition on Baptism by the one an only Paul himself:
Romans 6:3-5 :
"Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?
4 : Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
5: For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection,"
Its a commandment, YES. Its a pre-requisite : NO. It does not cleanse you of sins. The only condition for salavation is belief in Jesus and his work.
And No Jesus himself NEVER baptise. Here is the fact in a no nonsense statement by his closest disciple John in his Gospel 4 : 2 : although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples.
We tend to spiritualise stuff when there is no need to do so...God Bless!
:)
John the Baptist was baptizing at the River telling the people to repent and announcing the forthcoming of the Messiah.
Yes Dave. Thats correct. John Baptized and asked people to REPENT. The mere act of baptism DID NOT cleanse them of their sins....people had to repent....their act of baptism was an external indication of an internal change they chose to make...
Baptism does not CLEANSE you....It DOES NOT guarantee salvation...but it is an outward symbol of an internal change....and yes it is a direct commandment of the Lord. Infant baptism is no more or less valid than Baptism of kids 12 years old in the pentecostal tradition...but guess what? IT DOES NOT MATTER!!! Whew!!! "...my yoke is light..."...someone said that 2000 years ago...I have no reason to doubt him!
:)
Dave,
you are in Toronto? We should connect brother. Gods message is simple and straight forward. Many have made it a business. We dont have to. Lets talk.
Jay
Jay: I know and understand what you are saying, and indeed you are right. Your comments serve to strengthen this Hub as it was posted to point out that infant baptism performed in many churches is spiritually and scripturally wrong. Infant baptism has no basis in scripture at all.
Jay: Yes I do live in Toronto, in North York to be more accurate. Where might I ask do you live? And What would be the purpose of our meeting face to face? I have no problem meeting over a coffee for a while, as it is good to get together with like minded individuals.
In Mississauga Dave. The purpose of meeting would be to connect with thinking christians. Many have turned it into a business. Others preach their traditions over Gods word. Gods truth is simple and straight forward. It truly is the Good News. More people out there in the Church need to know it!
:)
I'll think about this.
brotheryochanan Level 2 Commenter 23 months ago
Nice to see you stepping away from the catholic wall, brother dave and walking more in the spirit all the time.