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INFANT
BAPTISM Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists and Presbyterians all
practice what’s called “infant baptism.”
Infant
sprinkling Actually, I doubt that anyone actually practices infant
“baptism” because the Greek word for “baptism” means, “immersion,” and I doubt
that anyone immerses babies. (I don’t
even do that when giving my baby a bath!)
But Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists and Presbyterians all will practice
sprinkling and/or pouring for baptism.
However, Bible baptism is a “burial” (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12) and
thus it requires “much water” (John 3:23). Let
the little children come to me A document called “Lutheran Catechism” says, “Christ has
commanded that little children should be brought to him and we obey this
command by baptizing them and teaching them.”
It’s true that Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do
not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14
ESV). But you certainly find no command
to baptize them in those words. Baptism
is for those old enough to believe Infants do not have the mental capacity to believe. But baptism is for those who believe. Jesus said, “Whoever believes and is baptized
will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16
ESV). Likewise, when an Ethiopian eunuch
asked Philip, “What prevents me from being baptized?” Philip said, “If you
believe with all your heart you may” (Acts 8:36-37 NASB). Baptism
is for those old enough to repent Likewise, infants do not have the mental capacity to
repent. But baptism is for those who
repent. Peter said, “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” (Acts 2:38
ESV). To “repent” means to “turn away
from your sins” (GNT) and “Turn back to God” (CEV). So, baptism may be for you. Have you believed, repented and been
baptized? |