Infant Baptism
It is interesting to see that baptism is the new circumcision (Colossians 2:11-12). With this in mind, remember that God is the same today, yesterday, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Now, back to baptisms and circumcisions. Since we know that baptism proceeded from circumcision, let’s see what circumcision was. Circumcision was instated by God and to be used when the child was eight days old (Genesis 17:12). If baptism is the new circumcision, than baptism is to be administered at the earliest of eight days old.
Another interesting insight to this is that Christ said none shall enter the kingdom of heaven without baptism (John 3:5; Mark 16:16). What is more specific is that Christ declares children to be the inheritors of God’s kingdom (Matthew 18:3). In fact, Jesus told us to do nothing to prevent the children from coming to Him (Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16); remember, Jesus commanded us to be baptized as a means to get to Him. As we see, people brought infants to Jesus (Luke 18:15)
Let’s go further back. In Adam all die, but in Christ all are made alive (1 Corinthians 15:21-22). Christ commanded baptism, and the baptism of blood from Jesus Christ’s Passion most certainly applies to all, especially children and infants.
Households were baptized, in service of the Lord (Joshua 24:15). How do we know they were baptized, because Acts 16:31 tells us that our belief in the Lord Jesus will save us and our house. This is demonstrated when the whole household was baptized in Acts 16:15 and 16:31-33. We see again whole households baptized in 1 Corinthians 1:16.
Peter promises the gift of the Holy Spirit via baptism to a household in Acts 2:38-39, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children.”
But can I have my child baptized, or does the child need to give consent? We are allowed to stand-in for the child, as the Bible allows one person’s faith to intercede for another – Matthew 8:5 says a servant was healed because of a centurion’s faith; Matthew 15:21 says a girl was healed because of a Canaanite woman’s faith; Luke 7:1 has a man who says, “just say the word and my servant will be healed”.
Jesus is indiscriminate. But most assuredly, children are most welcomed to our Saviour Jesus Christ.
“Baptize first the children; and if they can speak for themselves, let them do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them” St. Hippolytus of Rome in The Apostolic Tradition,215 A.D..
“The Church received from the apostles the tradition of giving baptisms also to infants” Origen in Commentary on Romans, 244 A.D..
Your’s,
Drew Castel.
