Infant baptism: a practise fully agreeable to the institution of Christ

On Sunday we had the privilege of baptizing the small baby of Christian parents at our church service.  I suppose many Baptists (who hold to only believers’ baptism) would cry “heresy!” or mumble a something about the influence of Roman Catholicism under their breath.  Why did we baptise that young child?

Circumcision

Baptism is the sign of the new covenant in Jesus, just as circumcision was the sign of the old covenant with Abraham (Romans 4:11).  All New Testament doctrine and practise have their beginnings in the Old Testament; baptism is no different.

 Circumcision never saved anyone.  Abraham and all God’s people under the Old Covenant were saved by grace through faith.  The circumcision of Abraham and his male family members and future male children (of believing parents) was the sign of that salvation promise (Genesis 17:10).  The sign did not save the children, it was a picture, a reminder, a symbol, of the promise.

Baptism now is the new sign (Matthew 28:19).  Baptism by water is a great sign as it pictures the removal of sin as water is and always has been a cleansing agent.  The new sign no longer requires the shedding of blood because the blood has been shed once for all on the cross.  And so we can surely say that baptism is the visible sign of God’s invisible work in us, bringing us to faith in Jesus.

Why babies?

Zacchaeus, the tax-collector, was saved, Jesus said, “today salvation has come to this house.” (Luke 19)  When Peter on the day of Pentecost preached the first Christian sermon he said, “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 3:39) 

The apostle Paul said “…the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.” (1 Corinthians 7:14)  The unbelieving spouse is “sanctified” by the believing spouse.  This does not mean he or she is saved.  The Greek word for “sanctified” means “set apart”.  In some parts of the New Testament is translated “holy”.   Paul says that the unbelieving partner is set apart – viewed in a special way – by God.  Why?  Because the believing partner is one of God’s people.  The same principle applies to their children: the young child stands in his parents’ faith, unable to make his own profession, but bearing the mark of his father’s/ mother’s/ parents’ faith upon him or her*.

Taking further this principle that God blesses the children of believing parent/s, we find other references in the New Testament to families being baptised.  Lydia, a business women, believed the gospel and Paul baptised her and her household.  (Acts 16:15).  An unnamed Philippian jailer believes and he and his entire household are baptised (Acts 16:33-34).  Paul no doubt baptised adults in Corinth as they put their faith in Jesus; but he also writes that he baptised the household of Stephanas. (1 Corinthians 1:16)

Grace invasion

As the gospel of Jesus began to pervade the world, its message was no less gracious and encompassing than the message of salvation to Abraham.  Baptism was the new sign, but believing parents had the same responsibility as Abraham and applied the sign of the promise to their children*.

Sacrament vs Ordinance

A sacrament is “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace” (Book of Common Prayer).  A sacrament points to a greater reality; it is not that reality itself.  When the infant is baptised the baptism points us to and reminds us of the gospel promise.  We pray that the sacrament would become a reality in the child’s life as they come to saving faith in Jesus.  Adult believers are baptised to publically acknowledge that they have experienced God’s inward and spiritual grace. 

An ordinance, on the other hand, is a decree or a command to be obeyed.  Baptists would hold to this view of baptism and since the infant is unable to obey the command, they should not be baptised.  I, and others of a reformed** persuasion, would argue that baptism is more of sacrament and less of an ordinance (although there are elements of both). 

Bottom line

Believers’ and infant’ baptism are good and godly practises for the Christian church and both have scriptural warrant.

 

Read a similar post here.

* Thanks to John P. Sartelle for these insights in his booklet, “What Christian parents should know about Infant Baptism”.  This booklet is available at Christian Book Discounters and is endorsed by J.I. Packer.

** By “reformed” I mean holding to the understanding of the Christian faith as exposed by the protestant reformers, particularly John Calvin. 

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6 comments

  1. Hi Spag

    Thanks for taking the time out to reply. I’m sure I won’t be able to answer properly your concerns here as what you are raising is the classic differences between Covenant Baptism (believers and the children of believers) and Believers Baptism (only believers).

    If you have not yet, please see this post on covenant baptism: http://www.pastorfish.co.za/2011/09/20/covenant-baptism-why-we-baptise-some-babies-and-some-adults/

    Covenant baptism is derived from our understanding of the Covenant in both Old and New Testament. Every New Testament doctrine and teaching finds its start in the Old Testament. The sign of baptism is no different. Baptism, in our view, has its beginning in the sign of circumcision.

    We would argue that the Bible does not make repentance a condition for baptism. (There is no way that a baby can repent, as you correctly state). Baptism is the New Testament sign of the gospel, just like circumcision was for God’s people in the Old Testament (Romans 4:11). Male babies were circumcised as a sign that they belonged to the covenant people of God and would enjoy all the blessings and privileges of the covenant. Babies were circumcised before they had any ability to repent or make a a profession of faith.

    The same is true for the children of believers. The covenant sign is now baptism, which pictures the washing away of sin. Children are baptized showing that they are part of the covenant people of God and will be raised in the covenant of God. Baptism does not save them. We pray that when they are older, God by his Spirit will bring them to repentance and faith. Adults who have not received the sign of the gospel / covenant as children should be baptized when they repent and believe.

    You refer to a few passages:

    Mark 16:15-16 – I would not view this passage as part of the original text of Mark, but that of a later scribe not satisfied with the abrupt ending of Mark 16:8. Nevertheless the sentiments are true. Baptism following conversion is the new sign of the covenant. This does not negate the applying of the sign to children.

    John 6:44-45 – Totally agree that God must draw us to himself. This verse does not speak to baptism, but salvation. In covenant baptism theology we do not view salvation as a prerequisite to salvation in the baptism of the children of believers.

    Acts 2:36, 38, 41 – They audience of adults who believed needed to be baptized as the sign that that had recognized Jesus as the “Christ” (v36) and put their faith in him. As Jewish converts they would have assumed that the promise and the sign would naturally be for them and their children, just like circumcision. In other passages in Acts the head of a family would believe and be baptized and then go home and baptize his family, which most likely also included small children. (e.g. Acts 16:33)

    Acts 8:12, 35-39 – Covenant theologians agree that adults should profess Christ before they are baptized. No disagreement!

    Galations 3:26, 27 – Paul here is no speaking of water-baptism, but “baptism into Christ” which happens when we believe just as the Israelites were “baptized” into Moses when they were rescued out of Egypt and passed through the Red Sea – although none of them got wet. I.e. the Israelites all identified with Moses and were part of what he was doing. (1 Corinthians 10:1-2)

    In summary: We do not think the children of believers are saved at baptism. We do not view their salvation as a requirement in order to receive the sign of the covenant. In our view baptism is more of a sacrament ( a sign of something greater) than an ordinance (a command to be obeyed). Baptism is the sign of the gospel. We pray that the children receiving the sign will be raised in a godly way and will one day themselves profess their faith in the God of the covenant.

    Covenant baptism may be a controversial issue for some. In our church there are same that only hold to Believers Baptism. We are happy to agree to disagree. I respect their understanding of the Bible and they respect mine.

    Hope this helps!
    Andre

  2. Hi Spag

    Thanks for taking the time out to reply. I’m sure I won’t be able to answer properly your concerns here as what you are raising is the classic differences between Covenant Baptism (believers and the children of believers) and Believers Baptism (only believers).
    If you have not yet, please see this post on covenant baptism.

    Covenant baptism is derived from our understanding of the Covenant in both Old and New Testament. Every New Testament doctrine and teaching finds its start in the Old Testament. The sign of baptism is no different. Baptism, in our view, has its beginning in the sign of circumcision.
    We would argue that the Bible does not make repentance a condition for baptism. (There is no way that a baby can repent, as you correctly state). Baptism is the New Testament sign of the gospel, just like circumcision was for God’s people in the Old Testament (Romans 4:11).

    Male babies were circumcised as a sign that they belonged to the covenant people of God and would enjoy all the blessings and privileges of the covenant. Babies were circumcised before they had any ability to repent or make a a profession of faith. The same is true for the children of believers. The covenant sign is now baptism, which pictures the washing away of sin. Children are baptized showing that they are part of the covenant people of God and will be raised in the covenant of God. Baptism does not save them. We pray that when they are older, God by his Spirit will bring them to repentance and faith. Adults who have not received the sign of the gospel / covenant as children should be baptized when they repent and believe.

    You refer to a few passages:
    Mark 16:15-16 – I would not view this passage as part of the original text of Mark, but that of a later scribe not satisfied with the abrupt ending of Mark 16:8. Nevertheless the sentiments are true. Baptism following conversion is the new sign of the covenant. This does not negate the applying of the sign to children.

    John 6:44-45 – Totally agree that God must draw us to himself. This verse does not speak to baptism, but salvation. In covenant baptism theology we do not view salvation as a prerequisite to salvation in the baptism of the children of believers.

    Acts 2:36, 38, 41 – They audience of adults who believed needed to be baptized as the sign that that had recognized Jesus as the “Christ” (v36) and put their faith in him. As Jewish converts they would have assumed that the promise and the sign would naturally be for them and their children, just like circumcision. In other passages in Acts the head of a family would believe and be baptized and then go home and baptize his family, which most likely also included small children. (e.g. Acts 16:33)

    Acts 8:12, 35-39 – Covenant theologians agree that adults should profess Christ before they are baptized. No disagreement!

    Galations 3:26, 27 – Paul here is no speaking of water-baptism, but “baptism into Christ” which happens when we believe just as the Israelites were “baptized” into Moses when they were rescued out of Egypt and passed through the Red Sea – although none of them got wet. I.e. the Israelites all identified with Moses and were part of what he was doing. (1 Corinthians 10:1-2)

    In summary: We do not think the children of believers are saved at baptism. We do not view their salvation as a requirement in order to receive the sign of the covenant. In our view baptism is more of a sacrament ( a sign of something greater) than an ordinance (a command to be obeyed). Baptism is the sign of the gospel. We pray that the children receiving the sign will be raised in a godly way and will one day themselves profess their faith in the God of the covenant.

    Covenant baptism may be a controversial issue for some. In our church there are same that only hold to Believers Baptism. We are happy to agree to disagree. I respect their understanding of the Bible and they respect mine.

    Hope this helps!
    Andre

  3. The Bible reveals that a person must do certain things before he can be baptized. If these things are not done, then the baptism would not be Scriptural. So we ask whether or not a baby can fulfill the Scriptural prerequisites of baptism.

    Note that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34,35; Rom. 2:11), so there are not two sets of prerequisites for baptism – one for babies and one for adults. Whatever the Bible requires of some people to be baptized, it requires the same of all people.

    A. Before Baptism One Must Hear and Understand the Gospel.
    Mark 16:15,16 – All who are baptized, must first have the gospel preached to them. But what good would be done by preaching to a baby?

    John 6:44,45 – No one can come to Jesus without being taught from the Father. This does not just mean simply hearing sounds. One must “learn”; he must understand the meaning of what is being taught. Can babies do this (cf. 1 Cor. 14:20)?

    Acts 2:36,41 – This example shows what it means for people to learn the gospel before they are baptized. The people were given evidence that Jesus is God’s Son (v14-36). They were told that, on the basis of this evidence, they must “know assuredly” that Jesus is Lord and Christ (v36). Those who were baptized were those who gladly received this message (v41). Can babies hear and learn in this way?

    B. Before Baptism One Must Believe the Gospel.
    Mark 16:15,16 – Every creature who is baptized must first believe the gospel which they have been taught. Baptism is only for those who are capable of hearing and believing the gospel. No one is included in the command if they cannot first hear, understand, and believe the gospel. Can a baby do these things?

    Galatians 3:26,27 – However many people are baptized, all of them must do so by faith. Everyone who is baptized must first understand the gospel well enough to believe it.

    Acts 8:12 – When the people of Samaria gave heed to the gospel that was preached (v5,6), both men and women were baptized. When were they baptized? When they believed, not before. Can babies believe? If not, they should not be baptized until they do believe.

    In all Bible examples of baptism, people were baptized only when they personally had full faith, based on their own understanding of the gospel. Never were they baptized on the basis of someone else’s faith, such as their parents. No one else can believe for us, just like no one can be baptized for us.

    [See also Acts 8:36-39; 18:8; Rom. 1:16; 10:13-17.]

    C. Before Baptism One Must Repent of Sins.
    Acts 2:38 – Every person who is baptized (“every one of you”) must first repent. Repentance is a change of mind – a decision to turn from sin and begin to live for God (cf. Matt. 21:28,29). This decision involves a commitment to put God first, and to live all our lives faithfully serving Him.

    Note that the person who is baptized is the same person who must first repent. This is a personal choice. No one else can make this decision for us. Can a baby make this choice? (Note that we will see later that babies do not even have any sins to repent of.)

    Some people claim that “children” in v39 means babies are included in those to whom this “promise” was made. But “children” simply means offspring, regardless of age (note Matt. 3:9; 10:21; 21:28; John 8:39). The “promise” here is for those who repent and are baptized (v38); but babies cannot repent, nor can they do other things required in the context (v36,40,41,42). The “promise” to the “children” was fulfilled when they were old enough to do what God requires, not while they were babies.

    [See also 2 Cor. 7:10; Mk. 1:4,5.]

    D. Before Baptism One Must Confess Christ.
    Romans 10:9,10 – To be saved, one must believe in his heart and confess Christ with his mouth. How can a baby confess Christ when it cannot even speak?

    Acts 8:35-39 – Here is an example of confession before baptism. The candidate for baptism must make an understandable statement, so that the one who does the baptizing knows they are baptizing someone who has faith. Babies cannot communicate regarding their faith in any understandable way, therefore it is not Scriptural to baptize them.

    Churches that baptize babies often have a practice called “confirmation.” People are baptized as babies, but later when they get old enough to understand and make their own choice about serving God, they are taught and are asked to publicly “confirm” their faith and their desire to live for God. The very existence of such a practice is an admission that the child did not understand, believe, and repent before he was baptized.

    We have now learned four things which the Bible says every person must personally do before he can be baptized. God is no respecter of persons, so the plan is the same for everyone. Before anyone can be baptized, he must hear and understand the gospel, believe it, repent of sins, and confess Christ. Little babies cannot do any of these things. Therefore, the command to be baptized is not addressed to them. To baptize them anyway would be to act without God’s authority. It would be doing something different from what God says must be done.

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