Baptized at birth, but strayed from the path..

[MikeRusso94]

So I was baptized after birth, but after I came to age of being able to question and wanting to question all things, I "lost" my faith. Now coming back to this path later in life, is it required to get baptized again? Or do I confess to God and ask for forgiveness for losing ky way with Him?

Also a small side question, about prayers, where does one find them in the bibl

 

[Catherineanne]

So I was baptized after birth, but after I came to age of being able to question and wanting to question all things, I "lost" my faith. Now coming back to this path later in life, is it required to get baptized again? Or do I confess to God and ask for forgiveness for losing ky way with Him?

Also a small side question, about prayers, where does one find them in the bibl

Welcome back, MR.

Starting at the end, the Psalms are very good to use as prayers, if you need some. Other prayers can be found online; they are not all found in the Bible, but most are collections of scriptural sayings put together.

The Lord's prayer is in the gospels; again you can google that.

As for your first question, this will depend on your denomination. For apostolics (Roman Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox), there is only one baptism, and it doesn't matter whether a person was baptised as a child or not; there is no second baptism. In such cases you would only need to find a church where you can feel at home, and talk to the minister. Confession may or may not be appropriate; that would be between you and the minister.

If you are from a more evangelical background then there may be a case for what is called 'believer's baptism', but I think I will leave that to others to explain to you.

Essentially, we all agree that there is only one baptism, as the Nicene Creed says. We do not all agree on what constitutes a valid baptism, and the main contention is whether a baby can be baptised without really being aware of what is happening. Apostolics say yes, others no.

So that one depends on what denomination you would identify with.

 

[LilLamb219]

It is NOT necessary to get re-baptized because God did it right the first time

If you have confessed your sins and repented, God does indeed forgive you!

 

[timf]

Now coming back to this path later in life, is it required to get baptized again? Or do I confess to God and ask for forgiveness for losing my way with Him?

Mike,

Welcome back. Being a Christian is not about "requirements" it is about truth. Jesus said that no one can come to Him unless the Father draw him. Your being drawn is the result of God having made your heart sensitive to truth.

Jesus is truth. The Bible is truth. As you immerse yourself in His words and grow in truth, you will find that you will understand more and more. God promises to give wisdom to all who ask.

Some churches have an emphasis on doing things like getting baptized the "right" way or "really repenting". I suggest that you find an older wiser Christian who clearly shows the light and love of Jesus in his life and ask him to help you know Jesus like he does.

Now that you have a re-ignited desire to come to the truth, you do not want to get directed into some religious activity that keeps you busy but fails to help you grow in truth and Christ-likeness.

 

[thesunisout]

So I was baptized after birth, but after I came to age of being able to question and wanting to question all things, I "lost" my faith. Now coming back to this path later in life, is it required to get baptized again? Or do I confess to God and ask for forgiveness for losing ky way with Him?

Also a small side question, about prayers, where does one find them in the bibl

The purpose of baptism is obedience to God, and it is an outward sign of an inward change. You are declaring that you have been buried with Christ in death and raised with Him into life everlasting. Your baptism as a child is not legitimate; you had no knowledge about Christ. I believe you should definitely get baptized again, and this time, with heart set towards our Lord and Savior.

 

[bibledoctrine]

So I was baptized after birth, but after I came to age of being able to question and wanting to question all things, I "lost" my faith. Now coming back to this path later in life, is it required to get baptized again? Or do I confess to God and ask for forgiveness for losing ky way with Him?

Also a small side question, about prayers, where does one find them in the bibl

There is no sign or action and public declaration that is necessary for you to be back in fellowship with God - except a simple honest talk with God the Father in your heart and voice to simply believe in the death and resurrection of His Son.

Signs are for the Jews [I Corinthians 1:22] - and as we learn here in John 1:31 when John talks about the Jewish Messiah Jesus: John came to baptize with water to manifest Messiah to Israel:

John 1:31: And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
John 1:32: And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
John 1:33: And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Here are some quotes that show Christ Jesus rejecting to offer signs to the Jews because of their unbelief:

Matthew 12:38: Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.

Matthew 12:39: But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

Matthew 16:4: A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom

I Corinthians 1:22: For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

I Corinthians 14:22: Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not

At that moment that you truly believe in Christ Jesus, death and resurrection, for the full payment of all sins - you are immediately spirit baptized by God the Holy Spirit. Water baptism is a sign and practice prescribed for the Jews - as John in 1:31 when John talks about manifesting the Jewish Messiah Jesus to Israel: John came to baptize with water to manifest Messiah to Israel:. John further specified that Jesus the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost/Spirit. Romans 6:3-5 is that baptism which God the Holy Spirit performs as a spirit baptism of us into Jesus Christ at the moment of faith in Him. You cannot get re-baptized because God Holy Spirit did it right the first time and there is only one (1) time: at that moment when you first believed. If you wish to get water baptized, it does nothing since you are already Spirit baptized by God the Spirit.

Romans 6:3: Know ye not, that so many of us as were [spirit] baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Romans 6:4: Therefore we are buried with him by [spirit] baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:5: For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

One body; one Spirit, one baptism [Spirit performed]:

Ephesians 4:4: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Ephesians 4:5: One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Ephesians 4:6: One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

I have heard baptist claim this verse Ephesiand 4:5 ...one baptism...then say: but of course, we are baptist, so there are two (2) baptisms. God is not a liar when He says that there is one baptism in Ephesians, and that baptism is performed by God the Holy Spirit, not made with hands, not made by man, but of God.

 

[bibledoctrine]

In Romans 6 it is God who declares that you have the manifested faith in Christ and it is God who utilizes His Spirit to baptize you at the moment of faith and salvation:

Romans 6:3: Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Romans 6:4: Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:5: For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Romans 6:6: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

This is not made by hands, nor of man, but of God the Spirit. Man cannot do anything to save himself, nor can man do anything to say to God: "See, I have this faith in you, and I am baptizing myself to manifest it for the world to see (never mind that only a few in the building see it, not whole world)"

Romans 6:11: Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

[Mediaeval]

Baptism is a kind of New Testament parallel to circumcision. Just an Israelite of old who went astray and returned to the Lord would not need another circumcision, so your baptism and the promises it sets forth are still there for you to return to.

 

[Willie T]

Do you remember being baptized? What were you thinking at the time?

 

[trulyconverted]

Baptism comes after salvation. Has God made you born again? This is not when you prayed a prayer of acceptance. This is actually when the Lord changed your heart and put a new spirit within you.

Baptism itself does not save you, but it is done in obedience to God as a testimony to the world that you now in actuality belong to God, saved by God - by grace through faith.

Now 'faith' itself is a gift from God. Have considered asking God if he truly saved you before. It is very important because this is an eternal life or eternal torment question.

Ask HIM. He is a LIVING God.

All glory to God!

 

[asiyreh]

Baptism is a kind of New Testament parallel to circumcision. Just an Israelite of old who went astray and returned to the Lord would not need another circumcision, so your baptism and the promises it sets forth are still there for you to return to.

Those passages are probably talking about Holy Spirit Baptism, and the circumcision of the Heart. Water baptism is a declaration to the world that you stand with Christ. I don't see any texts supporting inferred Grace or any such thing and I'm not saying you are suggesting this, I would however urge caution.

I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 1 Cor 1

Paul hear is warning against elevating the status Water baptism. I recommend reading the whole verse for context.

 

[vjcoppola]

Mike Russo,
Thanks be to God for your faith. Regarding re-baptism, LilLamb is exactly correct. If you were baptized with water and in the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost then you are baptized, sealed in Christ and included in God's covenant of grace. The idea of re baptism is a relatively modern idea,. No one did that for the first 1500 years or so and most churches still do not. The active person in Baptism is God, not the minister or you. It is done in Gods name so once He does it - it's done. As someone else pointed out, it replaces circumcision. Read Genesis 17, the account of God's covenant with Abraham. He was not told to circumcise only those who believe but all in his household, all would be included in his promise of grace.

Regarding your question on prayer, can you be more specific? Are you looking for prayers or examples of prayers in the Bible?

 

[trulyconverted]

....The idea of re baptism is a relatively modern idea,. No one did that for the first 1500 years or so and most churches still do not. The active person in Baptism is God, not the minister or you. It is done in Gods name so once He does it - it's done. As someone else pointed out, it replaces circumcision.

There was a re-baptism done in the time of Paul:

Acts 19:1-7: "And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John's baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, THEY WERE BAPTIZED in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. There were about twelve men in all."

 

[vjcoppola]

trulyconverted,
Yes, but not twice a Christian baptism. The first was John's baptism and there probably many instances like that since some of his followers became Christian. Once baptized in God's name, that is baptized by God through one of His ministers, no additional baptism makes sense. To do so would be to deny God's ability to get it right the first time.

I know that some Christians have the idea of a believers baptism and some believe that only total immersion "works" but these are relatively new ideas, born in the reformation when all things Roman were rejected including sacramental theology. The sacramental nature of baptism is supported by early Christian writers known as The Church Fathers. These are the same guys who chose which books are included in the Bible we believe to be God's and established for all time the Trinitarian nature of God so their opinions need to be considered.

 

[PROPHECYKID]

So I was baptized after birth, but after I came to age of being able to question and wanting to question all things, I "lost" my faith. Now coming back to this path later in life, is it required to get baptized again? Or do I confess to God and ask for forgiveness for losing ky way with Him?

Also a small side question, about prayers, where does one find them in the bibl

Baptism is supposed to follow a conscious and determined decision to follow God. Infant baptism is invalid. The bible tells us that baptism is like being buried with Christ and rising up to newness of life. Baptism is also an outward sign of an inward change and decision. No one who hasn't made a decision to follow God should be baptized. So in my opinion you weren't really baptized. You did not enter the watery grave of baptism and was not risen as a new creature because you had no idea of what was going on around you. Be baptized again.

 

[PROPHECYKID]

Mike Russo,
Thanks be to God for your faith. Regarding re-baptism, LilLamb is exactly correct. If you were baptized with water and in the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost then you are baptized, sealed in Christ and included in God's covenant of grace.

Are you saying that someone baptized as a baby would be sealed in Christ, knowing full well that person has not actually made a decision to follow Christ because a baby cannot do that?

 

[vjcoppola]

ProphesyKid,
Yes. The baby doesn't have to do anything, yet. God alone is the active person in baptism. Faith is required. In the case of infant baptism it can be vicarious faith of the parents. When the person reaches adulthood they make their adult decision. This ,may not make sense to you if you have been brought up in certain traditions but this is the theology in most of the Church, Eastern, Roman and Anglican as well as much of protenstanism. Traditionally baptism, like circumcision, brings one into God's covenant of grace, for Christians this means being part of the body of Christ.

I copied below part of an outline I did for a class. There is more if you are interested.

1. The Children of believers are included in the Covenant of grace. They were included in the God’s Covenant with Abraham. It was to “you and your descendants” and included all male infants (Genesis 17:9-14). The new Covenant prophesized by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:31) and declared by Jesus (Mathew 26:28) is the fulfillment of the one made to Abraham. The signs changed from circumcision to water but both represent initiation into the Covenant of Grace. Part of the newness is that it now applies to female children as well as male.
2. Consider Christ’s statements regarding children” “Suffer the little children to come unto me and do not hinder them for of such belongs the Kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14-16, Mathew 19:13-15, Luke 18:15-17)
3. We find the same attitude in the practice of the Apostles.
§ Peter declares the promise is to “hearers and their children” Acts 2:38-41
§ Baptism of the household of Lydia. Acts 16:15, 33
§ Baptism of the household of Stephanus. 1 Corinthians 1:16
§ Children of mixed marriage are Holy through faith of the parent. 1 Corinthians 7:7-14
§ Typological references to baptism as the Ark. 1 Peter 3:21 and as circumcision not made with hands (Colossians 2:11), both include children.
Christ in the great commission (Mathew 28:18ff) implies the inclusion of children in baptism by using the word “nations” which includes children.

1.1. Biblical Foundations
§ And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”

§But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.Mark 10:14-16
§ And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.Acts 16:15
§And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.Acts 16:33
§Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other.
1 Corinthians 1:16
§There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 3:21
§In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ Colossians 2:11

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Mathew 28:18-20

 

[PROPHECYKID]

ProphesyKid,
Yes. The baby doesn't have to do anything, yet. God alone is the active person in baptism. Faith is required. In the case of infant baptism it can be vicarious faith of the parents. When the person reaches adulthood they make their adult decision. This ,may not make sense to you if you have been brought up in certain traditions but this is the theology in most of the Church, Eastern, Roman and Anglican as well as much of protenstanism. Traditionally baptism, like circumcision, brings one into God's covenant of grace, for Christians this means being part of the body of Christ.

I copied below part of an outline I did for a class. There is more if you are interested.

1. The Children of believers are included in the Covenant of grace. They were included in the God’s Covenant with Abraham. It was to “you and your descendants” and included all male infants (Genesis 17:9-14). The new Covenant prophesized by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:31) and declared by Jesus (Mathew 26:28) is the fulfillment of the one made to Abraham. The signs changed from circumcision to water but both represent initiation into the Covenant of Grace. Part of the newness is that it now applies to female children as well as male.
2. Consider Christ’s statements regarding children” “Suffer the little children to come unto me and do not hinder them for of such belongs the Kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14-16, Mathew 19:13-15, Luke 18:15-17)
3. We find the same attitude in the practice of the Apostles.
§ Peter declares the promise is to “hearers and their children” Acts 2:38-41
§ Baptism of the household of Lydia. Acts 16:15, 33
§ Baptism of the household of Stephanus. 1 Corinthians 1:16
§ Children of mixed marriage are Holy through faith of the parent. 1 Corinthians 7:7-14
§ Typological references to baptism as the Ark. 1 Peter 3:21 and as circumcision not made with hands (Colossians 2:11), both include children.
Christ in the great commission (Mathew 28:18ff) implies the inclusion of children in baptism by using the word “nations” which includes children.

1.1. Biblical Foundations
§ And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”

§But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.Mark 10:14-16
§ And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.Acts 16:15
§And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.Acts 16:33
§Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other.
1 Corinthians 1:16
§There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 3:21
§In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ Colossians 2:11

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Mathew 28:18-20

There is absolutely nothing in the bible to support that the faith of a parent is going to stand for the child. Everyone has to stand on their own 2 feet. Infant baptism is no where in the bible. Everyone who was baptized in the bible made a conscious decision to do so after hearing the truth.

 

[trulyconverted]

trulyconverted,
Yes, but not twice a Christian baptism. The first was John's baptism and there probably many instances like that since some of his followers became Christian. Once baptized in God's name, that is baptized by God through one of His ministers, no additional baptism makes sense. To do so would be to deny God's ability to get it right the first time.

I know that some Christians have the idea of a believers baptism and some believe that only total immersion "works" but these are relatively new ideas, born in the reformation when all things Roman were rejected including sacramental theology. The sacramental nature of baptism is supported by early Christian writers known as The Church Fathers. These are the same guys who chose which books are included in the Bible we believe to be God's and established for all time the Trinitarian nature of God so their opinions need to be considered.

&

Originally Posted by vjcoppola
ProphesyKid,
Yes. The baby doesn't have to do anything, yet. God alone is the active person in baptism. Faith is required. In the case of infant baptism it can be vicarious faith of the parents. When the person reaches adulthood they make their adult decision. This ,may not make sense to you if you have been brought up in certain traditions but this is the theology in most of the Church, Eastern, Roman and Anglican as well as much of protenstanism. Traditionally baptism, like circumcision, brings one into God's covenant of grace, for Christians this means being part of the body of Christ.

With regards to your point of view of baptism, I don't mean to be offensive but are we reading the same bible?

I suggest that you read the new testament by books in its totality and and not just picking out verses - to get a full view of what baptism is, when it is done and especially why it is done.

 

[LilLamb219]

My friend Tammy has given me permission to use her study from scripture on baptism:

1. WHAT BLESSINGS DO WE RECEIVE FROM GOD IN BAPTISM?

1 Peter 3:20-21. … in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it a few people, eight in all, were saved through water — and this water symbolizes Baptism that now saves you also.

Colossians 2:11-12. In Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with Him in Baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

Romans 6:3-10. Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through Baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.

* Note: These passages from Colossians and Romans are summarized well by Dr. Lowell Green: “Baptism is the retroactive participation in the work of Good Friday and Easter Sunday — even better, it is incorporation into the body of the risen and ascended Savior ...”

Galatians 3:27. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Eph. 5:26. Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.

Titus 3:5. He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.

Corinthians 12:13. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:11. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Acts 22:16. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.

Acts 2:37-39. Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself."

Mark 16:16. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

* Note: In these passages, the Word of God associates Baptism with dying and rising with Christ, being clothed with Christ, being cleansed and made holy by Christ, having sins washed away, receiving the Holy Spirit, being regenerated (reborn) and renewed, receiving the forgiveness of sins, and being saved.


2. WHO IS TO BE BAPTIZED?

Matthew 28:19-20. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Mark 16:15-16. And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.



2. Acts 2:37-39. Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself."

* Note: The burden of proof lies on those who would choose to deny God’s gift of Baptism to an entire class of people.


3. ARE THERE ANY INDICATIONS IN THE BIBLE THAT INFANTS WERE BAPTIZED?

Colossians 2:11-12. In Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with Him in Baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

* Note: Circumcision was a rite associated almost exclusively with infants (eight days old). It would be odd to refer to Baptism as the “circumcision of Christ” if Baptism of infants was to be forbidden while circumcision was given almost exclusively to infants. (Note also that infants did receive Jewish proselyte baptism.)

Acts 2:37-39. Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself."

Acts 16:14-15. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home.

1 Corinthians 1:16. Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas.

Acts 16:33. And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household.

* Note: Households included all members of the family (which usually included extended family) as well as servants and their families. For this reason, it would be unlikely that none of the households referred to above included a baby.

* Note: There is very strong historical evidence that Infant Baptism has been the common practice of the Christian Church since the first century of the Christian era, and was almost entirely unopposed until the 1500’s. For more information, see http://www.issuesetc.org/resource/journals/kastens.htm. Historical information from outside the Bible does not prove what is right, but humility would suggest that we should think twice before concluding that the whole Christian Church got it wrong for about one and a half millennia — especially when it is seen that a strong Biblical case can be made for infant Baptism.


4. ARE INFANTS IN NEED OF THE BLESSINGS THAT BAPTISM GIVES?

Psalm 51:5. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Ecclesiastes 7:20. For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.

Romans 3:20. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

John 3:6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.



3. Romans 8:7. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.

Ephesians 2:1. And you were dead in your trespasses and sins.


5. ARE INFANTS CAPABLE OF RECEIVING GOD’S BLESSINGS?

Luke 1:15. For he [John the Baptist] will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb.

Luke 1:41-44. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy.'"

* John the Baptist is an example of the Holy Spirit being active in an infant. Since Baptism is associated with receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), this indicates that infants can receive this benefit of Baptism. We are not to deny this gift to children, but are to bring them to Him for this blessing.

Luke 18:15-17. And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. But Jesus called for them, saying, 'Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.''

* Note: The Greek word translated “babies” in this passage (brephe) referred to children in the womb and newborns. These were babies, not older children.

* Note: Our Lord Jesus clearly states that infants can receive the kingdom of God. Since they were sinful from conception, and because that which is born of the flesh is flesh (which is hostile to God), this means that it must also be possible for infants to be born of the Spirit — otherwise, they could not receive the kingdom of God.

Matthew 18:1-6. At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?'' And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."

Matthew 21:15-16. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were indignant. "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, 'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'?"

* Note: Since we already know from God’s Word that infants can receive the Holy Spirit and can receive the kingdom of God, it should not surprise us that Jesus here refers to small children believing in Him (which could also be translated as having faith in Him) and children and infants praising Him. It is the Holy Spirit who creates faith, and the kingdom of God is received by faith.

* Note: Since Jesus says that small children can believe in Him, we can properly speak of small children who are believers in Christ — “Christians.” If they are capable of being Christians, they should not be denied Baptism.

* Note: This (small children being believers) is reflected in early Christian tomb inscriptions. The faith of infants is also referred to in the writings of important teachers in the early church (such as Augustine). Following are quotes from a few pastors and theologians about the faith of these little ones who believe in Christ:



Dr. Martin Chemnitz: "Although we can neither understand nor explain in words what may be the nature of that action or operation of the Holy Spirit in infants who are baptized, nevertheless the Word of God leaves no doubt that such action and operation does occur. This which the Holy Spirit produces in infants we call faith and say that infants believe."

Dr. Johann Gerhard: "Even though we do not understand what all takes place with faith in the tiny, little children, yet we should hold the Word of God in such reverence that we do not deny what it so clearly witnesses to regarding the faith of little children."

Dr. David Scaer: "Surely, if infant brains can process human language and make sense out of their environment, they can process the divine language which proceeds from the mouth of God and calls to faith. It would be strange to assert that the words of the Holy Spirit lack the efficaciousness which human language has with infants."

Dr. William Arndt: “If the question is asked how an infant, unconscious of what is happening around it and unable to understand the meaning of Baptism, can believe, the answer is that not we but the Holy Spirit creates faith in the child receiving Holy Baptism and that He can perform that miracle and take up His dwelling in children as well as in people who are grown up.”

Dr. Robert Kolb: “The Word of God is powerful enough, when uttered, to change even a godless heart, which is no less responsive and helpless than any infant.”

Dr. Lowell Green: “God does not need human cooperation. In fact, faith is the setting aside of our own activity in order that God may work in us.”


* Note: Those who say that a lack of mature reason precludes infants from having faith are encouraged to consider what the Bible says about natural man’s reason and faith -- see, for example: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, 1 Corinthians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 3:18-20, Romans 8:6-7, 1 Timothy 6:20-21. True wisdom does not precede faith but is given by God and received by the faithful as a gift. The reasoning of an unbelieving adult is not a prerequisite to faith, but rather fights against faith.

Additional resources:

A good discussion of infant Baptism and infant faith can also be found in the novel “The Hammer of God” by Bo Giertz (pages 214-227).

These topics are also addressed in the book “Scriptural Baptism,” which is written in the form of a dialogue between a Lutheran and a Baptist. The book can be read online at: http://www.geocities.com/resourcesforlutherans/infantBaptism.htm

Books well worth purchasing that have excellent discussions of this are “Baptism” by Dr. David P. Scaer (available from CPH.ORG) and “Baptized into God’s Family” by Dr. A. Andrew Das (available from Northwestern Publishing House - Proclaim His salvation day after day). For an outstanding classic treatment, see “A Comprehensive Exploration of Holy Baptism and Lord's Supper” by Johann Gerhard (available from CPH.ORG).

6. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS REGARDING THE ADMINISTRATION OF BAPTISM

In Biblical accounts of Baptism, there was not a lengthy delay between conversion and Baptism (e.g. Acts 2, Acts 8:26-40, Acts 9:-17, Acts 22:1-16, Acts 16:33). They went hand in hand.

Biblical accounts of Baptism indicate that it was not necessary for it to be done publicly. The Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40), Paul (Acts 9:18, Acts 22:16), and the Philippian jailer and his household (Acts 16:33) were all baptized in private settings. The important thing about what Baptism is what God is doing — freely giving us His gifts as He makes us His children.