Infant Baptism

[ivory]

How do you feel about infant baptism? Many have a big problem with this. I myself see no problem.

[yodafett]

I don't have a problem with it, per se, but I don't personally find it to be a "real" baptism, because there is no will on the part of the "baptisee" ( is that even a word???) in the choice. Baptism is about a dedication to living in the spirit, so how can an infant make that choice?

Just my $0.02

[josuabrown]

There's really no problem with it. It's completely unnecessary. It's basically a ceremony where the parents make a commitment to raise the child in a Godly home. Yodafett is right.

[yodafett]

There's another thread on this in General Theology that's on about page 11 now. I didn't want to get caught up in that one, so many GT threads turn ugly....

[ivory]

There's another thread on this in General Theology that's on about page 11 now. I didn't want to get caught up in that one, so many GT threads turn ugly....
I was not aware, there was another thread on this topic, thanks for the imfo. Some times at work on our lunch break, we discuss the bible and some of these topics come up, and YES, they came get out of control sometimes, but the Lutherians that I have talked to feel it is nessecery. I can not find it anywhere in scripture. It's not there.

[New_Wineskin]

It's only water ...

In some respects , it is great . I was forced to have a water baptism when I was an infant . While I don't like the fact that it was done to me , I can now tell those that think that water baptism is required that I already was . So , it has a plus-side . :)

[ivory]

It's only water ...

In some respects , it is great . I was forced to have a water baptism when I was an infant . While I don't like the fact that it was done to me , I can now tell those that think that water baptism is required that I already was . So , it has a plus-side . :)
That's a good way to think. (smile)

[jasper123]

There Is Nothing Wrong With Infant Baptism.

Infants Have Soul That Is Stained With Original
Sin And It Should Be Removed.

Some Say They Should Be 14 Or So To Be Baptised
What If A Child Does Not Make It To 14. Even
If They Make They May Be Apostate And Never
Get Baptised

I Know This From Experience I Was 36 Before
I Was Baptised. It Was Because Of My Family
Being Apostate And Also Because The Church
I Went To Did Not Believe Christians Were
The People Of God.

Iwent To The Baptist, Methodist And Also
The Lutherans And They All Danced To The
Same Music.

Ron

[Godslilgurlalways]

I think it's okay to give them one as apart of decicated them to the lord, some people do this and some. If you batize them now they will still need to be baptized later on life truth be told I have been baptized 3 times one when I was a baby (which doesn't really count, it considsts of being surmregded under the water), another time when I was 9 ( didn't know what it meant completely to get baptized like the meaning completely behind it and again when I was like 12 just turned 13 learning what it really meant to get baptized and having the full understand of what it meant:)

[ivory]

There Is Nothing Wrong With Infant Baptism.

Infants Have Soul That Is Stained With Original
Sin And It Should Be Removed.

Some Say They Should Be 14 Or So To Be Baptised
What If A Child Does Not Make It To 14. Even
If They Make They May Be Apostate And Never
Get Baptised

I Know This From Experience I Was 36 Before
I Was Baptised. It Was Because Of My Family
Being Apostate And Also Because The Church
I Went To Did Not Believe Christians Were
The People Of God.

Iwent To The Baptist, Methodist And Also
The Lutherans And They All Danced To The
Same Music.

Ron
There Is Nothing Wrong With Infant Baptism.

Infants Have Soul That Is Stained With Original
Sin And It Should Be Removed.


Yes, but the blood covered this, did it not?

[ivory]

I think it's okay to give them one as apart of decicated them to the lord, some people do this and some. If you batize them now they will still need to be baptized later on life truth be told I have been baptized 3 times one when I was a baby (which doesn't really count, it considsts of being surmregded under the water), another time when I was 9 ( didn't know what it meant completely to get baptized like the meaning completely behind it and again when I was like 12 just turned 13 learning what it really meant to get baptized and having the full understand of what it meant:)
I feel we need only one baptism. That's it!

[BGMCFAR]

Sprikling a child with water is not true baptism the definition of baptism is full ermersion under water baptism is a symbol of the washing a of sin and rising to a new life with Christ so if people want to sprinkle childern with water and that makes them feel good whats the harm Whe the child is older and understands what baptism represents and wants to be baptisted then it can be done :)

[ivory]

Sprikling a child with water is not true baptism the definition of baptism is full ermersion under water baptism is a symbol of the washing a of sin and rising to a new life with Christ so if people want to sprinkle childern with water and that makes them feel good whats the harm Whe the child is older and understands what baptism represents and wants to be baptisted then it can be done :)
"the definition of baptism is full ermersion under water baptism "

I agree!

[theFijian]

Infant Baptism is the sign of the new covenant, circumcision was the sign of the old covenant. Children are baptised not to wash away their sins but as a sign of them belonging to God's covenant community.

PS - Jesus was sprinkled, not immersed :P

[BGMCFAR]

Ivory thank you Ithink sometimes definition is important because people have tendentcie some times misunserstand a subject of decusion But I have found this forum to be uplifting :)

[ivory]

Infant Baptism is the sign of the new covenant, circumcision was the sign of the old covenant. Children are baptised not to wash away their sins but as a sign of them belonging to God's covenant community.

PS - Jesus was sprinkled, not immersed :P
(Jesus was sprinled not emerged)
I disagree!


Where can I find that in scripture?

[ivory]

(Jesus was sprinled not emerged)
I disagree!


Where can I find that in scripture?
SORRY (immersed)

[BGMCFAR]

Infant Baptism is the sign of the new covenant, circumcision was the sign of the old covenant. Children are baptised not to wash away their sins but as a sign of them belonging to God's covenant community.

PS - Jesus was sprinkled, not immersed :P
I disagree Matt3; 16when Jesus came up out the water a spirit in the form of a dove decended on him stating this my BELOVED SONIN WHOM i AM WELL PLEASED jesus was emersed completely and look in a bible dictionary under true baptism all baptism before catholic church was full emersion :)

[Athene]

I didn't baptise any of mine as infants - I don't believe it's my decision to make - I guess I feel this way because I remember the significance of my baptism as an adult, I want my kids to have the same opportunity and not take away that choice from them.

[BGMCFAR]

I didn't baptise any of mine as infants - I don't believe it's my decision to make - I guess I feel this way because I remember the significance of my baptism as an adult, I want my kids to have the same opportunity and not take away that choice from them.
Smart MOM God bless you:prayer:

[spiritwarrior37]

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.

[HowardDean]

I was baptised as a child. It meant nothing to me, and I was not spiritually alive. I still had all the sins, fears, and occult involvement that only left when I actualyl got saved.
Then I got baptized for real.
Infant baptism is like saying one chose to open the door to Jesus as an infant. Can't happen. Its like baptizing an unconcious person. Doesn't count.

[theFijian]

(Jesus was sprinled not emerged)
I disagree!


Where can I find that in scripture?

When jesus was baptised the reason he gave to John was that "all righteousness should be fiulfilled". When Jesus was baptised what was also happening was that he was being annointed into his office as our great high priest. (remember when Jesus was questioned about where he authority came from?) In Old Testament the priests were sprinkled with the blood of the sacrifice to sanctify them and to anointi them into their office. If John had not baptised/annointed Jesus in the proper way then the pharisees would have had grounds to challenge Jesus's authority, as it was they did not. But personally, I don't get too worked up about dripping or dunking.

As I said infant baptism is the sign of the new covenant, if you are actually interested in the topic then head over to the Covenant Theology (http://www.christianforums.com/f565-covenant-theology.html) section.

[ivory]

When jesus was baptised the reason he gave to John was that "all righteousness should be fiulfilled". When Jesus was baptised what was also happening was that he was being annointed into his office as our great high priest. (remember when Jesus was questioned about where he authority came from?) In Old Testament the priests were sprinkled with the blood of the sacrifice to sanctify them and to anointi them into their office. If John had not baptised/annointed Jesus in the proper way then the pharisees would have had grounds to challenge Jesus's authority, as it was they did not. But personally, I don't get too worked up about dripping or dunking.

As I said infant baptism is the sign of the new covenant, if you are actually interested in the topic then head over to the Covenant Theology (http://www.christianforums.com/f565-covenant-theology.html) section.
All I asked, was the scripture so I can go into agreement with you. I can not, if there is no scripture.

[HowardDean]

In Old Testament the priests were sprinkled with the blood of the sacrifice to sanctify them and to anointi them into their office. If John had not baptised/annointed Jesus in the proper way then the pharisees would have had grounds to challenge Jesus's authority, as it was they did not.
I had never thought of that before. It makes total sense. DUnking baptism represents being washed away of your sins (leaving them in the water). Jesus would not have needed that!

[ivory]

Infant Baptism is the sign of the new covenant, circumcision was the sign of the old covenant. Children are baptised not to wash away their sins but as a sign of them belonging to God's covenant community.

PS - Jesus was sprinkled, not immersed :P
Matthew 3:12-17
[12] Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
[13] Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
[14] But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
[15] And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
[16] And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
[17] And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

This does not sound like sprikle to me.

[RichardE]

Real problem with it, my child does not need to be purified, as they are innocent.

Also my child when I have one, will not be mine to put into such things, of cource I will teach my daughter/son morals and they will live in a non church going family, and be introduced to jesus and so forth.

However I want them to choose the lord, to choose christianity, plus thier way of christnity may not be mine, they may want to go to chuch, they may way to be baptist, catholic or whatever.

They may not even be christian when they are older.

Will I still love them the same, whatever thier faith, orientation or politcal views? Defantly.

So I will give them the freedom to choose.

I have a strong belief and link with the lord, that my children will be found by him, like he found me, he streched out his arm and showed me the wonders he contains, and I have prayed several times he will do the same for them.

[EdmundBlackadderTheThird]

As for children and possibly infants being baptized:

Acts 16:33
At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.

It doesn't say children were not present in the family and it doesn't say infants were not. So there is at least tentative support in scripture.

[RichardE]

Oh I Know there is support in the bible, its all through the bible, even jesus himself gets baptised, however I think many should ask, what is real slavation, water poured over me by a priest, or finding god and having a true personal link with him?

[Godslilgurlalways]

I feel we need only one baptism. That's it!
I do too, but with baptism you need to understand what it is first:)

[Godslilgurlalways]

I was baptised as a child. It meant nothing to me, and I was not spiritually alive. I still had all the sins, fears, and occult involvement that only left when I actualyl got saved.
Then I got baptized for real.
Infant baptism is like saying one chose to open the door to Jesus as an infant. Can't happen. Its like baptizing an unconcious person. Doesn't count.
agreed same here:)

[Godslilgurlalways]

I feel we need only one baptism. That's it!

but sometimes there are cases were more than one is needed like with a baby they will need to get baptized again.

I disagree Matt3; 16when Jesus came up out the water a spirit in the form of a dove decended on him stating this my BELOVED SONIN WHOM i AM WELL PLEASED jesus was emersed completely and look in a bible dictionary under true baptism all baptism before catholic church was full emersion :)

agreed:)

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.

Right just like you can't accept Jesus for you child,they have to accept him for themselfs:)

You have to understand the point behind it all that is why I needed it more than once when I was a baby(didn't count), when I was 9(didn't really count b/c I wasn't told excatly what it mean and why it was need) When I was 12 it count I knew what it meant and accepted it:)

[jsimms615]

How do you feel about infant baptism? Many have a big problem with this. I myself see no problem.
I don't believe it is biblical. Baptism is for those who have made commitments to Christ personally. That is just my opinion.

[dinkime]

does not ALL NATIONS include infants/children?

"Go into ALL NATIONS, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit"

[christianmomof3]

does not ALL NATIONS include infants/children?

"Go into ALL NATIONS, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit"
The Bible says "believe and be baptized" and "repent and be baptized".
Babies cannot repent nor believe. The arguement that we don't know if they can believe is silly. They cannot declare that they believe and no one will tell you that they remember believing and being baptized as an infant.
"He who believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he who does not believe shall be condemned" (Mark 16:16)
"Repent and each one of you be baptized upon the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38)
"Rise up and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name" (Acts 22:16)

[New_Wineskin]

Oh I Know there is support in the bible, its all through the bible, even jesus himself gets baptised, however I think many should ask, what is real slavation, water poured over me by a priest, or finding god and having a true personal link with him?

Well , certainly not a religious person throwing water at me without my express permission . So , I choose b) a personal relationship with Him . :)

[theFijian]

Infant baptism is like saying one chose to open the door to Jesus as an infant. Can't happen. Its like baptizing an unconcious person. Doesn't count.

No it isn't, please read my earlier posts.