Let the Bible Speak
about INFANT BAPTISM
Introduction
When we search through the scriptures there is not even one verse where we see
or find a child baptized into Christ. Since the scriptures have been given by
inspiration of God, we must follow the doctrines of the scriptures rather than
the doctrines of men; for only in this way can man be perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works.
Why Baptism at All?
We must be baptized by immersion for the remission of sins, or to wash away our
sins. (Acts 2.38; 22.16; 1 Peter 3.21.) Our submission to the commandment of baptism
is the means by which we devote ourselves to doing the work of God.
Why Not Infant Baptism?
What sin has an infant committed so that it needs baptism for remission of
sins? How can an infant, which has little or no control over its own body,
devote itself to do the work of God?
Children are blameless or faultless in their ways from youth. "You were
perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, till iniquity was
found in thee." (Ezekiel 28.15.) "Whosoever committed sin
transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the
law." (1John 3.4.) "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth
it not, to him it is sin." (James 4.17.)
Infants know no law to abide, and do not know good or evil, and since they do
not know they should do good works, they do not sin by not doing such deeds.
Our Lord Jesus Christ taught that those who will inherit the kingdom of heaven
should be like children: "Except ye be converted, and become as little
children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18.1-5;
19.14; Luke 18.15-17; Mark 10.13-14.) Christ taught that "of such belongs
the kingdom of God" because if one is converted and baptized for remission
of sins, then one is born again spiritually and has become as a little child.
Read John 3.3-5.
Some religious groups teach that infants must be regenerated through baptism
because man is born in sin through the sin of Adam. But the inspired book of
God says: "The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor
shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to
death for his own sin." (Deuteronomy 24.16.)
"The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity
of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son, the
righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him and the wickedness of the
wicked shall be upon him." (Ezekiel 18.1-4, 20.)
Therefore, according to the inspired word of God, we have no share in Adam's
sin, and neither do infants. While Adam's sin brought sin and death into the
world, the good and bad deeds of a father are upon him but not on his children.
Nobody is required to give an account of another's actions to God, but rather
"Each and everyone shall give account of himself to God." (Romans
14.12.)
What Is Needed Before Baptism?
Before baptism by immersion takes place, one must: Believe the gospel of Christ
before baptism (Mark 16.15-16); Repent (change of mind) before baptism (Luke
13.3; 24.47); Confess his faith before baptism (Romans 10.9-10; Acts 8.35-38;
Matthew 10.32). Infants cannot be taught, believe or confess before baptism for
the remission of sins.
Conclusion
Infant baptism does not save, since baptism by immersion is for remission of
sins, and infants have no sin. No person who truly desires salvation for his
soul in Jesus Christ will trust in infant baptism, which is the teaching of men
rather than of God.