Why Do You Lutherans Baptize Infants?

[@kac0404]

"When they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women" (Acts 8:12). These people were believers and were men and women, not infants. Simon was also baptized, but he was a man and not an infant (Acts 8:13). Then the Eunuch, "A man of Ethiopia" was baptized upon a confession of faith (Acts 8:27-39). Likewise, Saul of Tarsus, a man, was baptized (Acts 9:18; 22:16).

[@thewordrules]

As a former evangelical and now a Lutheran, I equate baptism with two common things we do all the time. We give infants our last name making them a part of our family without their understanding or permission. We do the same with medicine; when they are sick we squirt medicine into their mouths even though they have no idea what is being done to them. The latter comparison shows that the medicine doesn't work because someone believes it will help; it works simply because it does what it is supposed to do

[@revcody]

Beautifully said!

[@kac0404]

Why do you call yourself reverend? The use of the title reverend is only used in the Bible one time. Psalm 111:9 The name of God, is Holy, and Reverend. The word refers in scripture only to God.

[@kac0404]

Baptism for the remission of sins is certainly necessary to salvation (Acts 2:38), and every case of conversion in Acts specifically records that they were baptized. Baptism is the event in which a penitent believer completes the obedience necessary to be saved (see Heb. 5:9). The Scriptures clearly show that baptism stands squarely between the sinner and the forgiveness of sins. But the practice of infant baptism is not authorized in the New Testament. Its origin is with men, not God. And there is no evidence in the New Testament to show that the apostles ever baptized anyone who was too young to hear the gospel, believe it, and repent of his sins.

[@kac0404]

There is no example of infant baptism under the preaching of the inspired apostles. On Pentecost, they preached the gospel. When those who heard it asked what to do, Peter said, "Repent and be baptized" (Acts 2:38). Infants cannot re­pent and have no sins to repent of, and hence are not to be baptized. Peter told these people to repent and be baptized "For the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). Infants need no remission of sins, hence need no baptism. "They that gladly received his word were baptized" (Acts 2:41). Infants do not "Gladly receive the word," and therefore, were not included in the number baptized on Pentecost.

[@revcody]

@@kac0404 the Holy inspired Scriptures declare, “The wages of SIN is death…” (Romans 6:23). If infants have no sins, then why has their ever been an infant that has died?!?!?!?!?! Infants in fact do die because they are sinful, regardless of age…newborn, toddler, etc., all die and are therefore in need of saving through the waters of Holy Baptism. Also, no apostle would go into a house and deny baptism to the little children. As a matter of fact, in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus was indignant when the disciples tried to keep His littles from Him. Why? Because the kingdom belongs to such as these!! Thanks for your comments.

[@kac0404]

@revcody To be baptized, a person must have awareness of his sins and his need for a Savior, repenting of his actions (Acts 2:36-38; Rom. 3:23; 6:23). He must hear the word of God (Matt. 28:18-20; Rom. 1:16; 10:14-17) and believe its testimony that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:30-31, Mark 16:16) who died on the cross and was raised from the dead to provide redemption for mankind (John 3:16; Rom. 5:6-10). He must confess this belief publicly (Rom. 10:9, Acts 8:26-40). A baby is incapable of doing these things. A baby taken by his parents to be baptized is not a Christian baby, just a wet baby. An actual baptism has not occurred. Baptizing a baby with the notion of making it a child of God reduces baptism to nothing more than a work. Mere works absent of faith cannot save. Moreover, it is a work performed on an individual by a third party, without his consent, or even his knowledge.

[@kac0404]

@revcody Are children born sinners? The Bible says no. Do babies inherit a sinful nature? Scripture again says no. Are infants guilty of Adam’s sin? Once again, God’s Word says no. Babies are born pure and innocent, free of any and all sin. They are not old enough to understand the difference between right and wrong so they cannot commit sin and are therefore safe.

[@revcody]

@@kac0404 Silly boy! I have one passages that TRUMPS all your questions about children and their sin. King David spoke the words so eloquently, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. (Psalm 51:5)” Also, please answer my question, “if children are not born originally sinful…then why do children die?” If they are innocent and have no sin, THEY WOULD NOT DIE! It would be impossible. You need to go back to your 2-year Baptist Bible College and I’ll stick to my Master’s Degree in Exegetical and Systematic and Historic Theology.

[@kac0404]

@revcody Boy? Let's get some facts straight. I'm a grown man. You know, by looking at my picture that I'm a black man at that. Now, because your theology is flawed, you have the audacity to call me a boy. That's mighty racist of you.

[@SamSups]

No one Christian has ever truly believed since they all continue to sin even after making a decision for Jesus. Does that mean they lied when they claimed to have accepted Jesus? Because all borne of God do not sin. I agree with the pastor here, our baptism is a one sided act of God so that my sealing remains intact in my life in the church where it is safe.

[@mrhartley85]

This was solid! I’m considering Lutheranism as a former Reformed baptist. I like your explanation because the emphasis on this aspect of baptism is covenantal. How much would you agree with reformed paedobaptist arguments? And how much of their arguments can we use?

[@revcody]

Jordan! Good morning! I believe the reformed paedobaptist argument is one that simply encourages infant Baptism because it's essentially "the thing to do" and if you Baptize the children/infants then it will hopefully instill faith which will be developed later in life. If that is the intended idea I wouldn't use their argumentation at all. I would rather default to a Scriptural argument for infant Baptism. First of all, when Jesus gave the command in Matt. 28, to go out and teach and Baptize "all nations" this included infants and children. Since Baptism is God's work and not ours, it means that God's gift is for everyone. If you have ever studied early church history and the way Baptism was done, the Apostles would go into households and would Baptize everyone in the house. If the head of the household was Baptized, then everyone who lived in that house or worked for that particular man would follow suit. Therefore, all men, women, children, servants, and family members would all be Baptized. They wouldn't walk into someone's house and say, "Okay, you and you can be Baptized, but you and you can't because you're not old enough to make a personal confession of faith." Everyone was Baptized because the gift is for everyone. Acts 2:38-39, says the "gift is for you and your...children." Also, children (little boys) were made part of God's covenant family on the 8th day of their life when they were circumcised. So, if God "commanded...it was Jewish Law" that children were to become part of His covenant family at 8 days, why would it be any different in the New Testament? Just as circumcision was not man's work, neither is Baptism. Again, per the video above, Baptism is God's unilateral work. He's doing the action...we are passively participating. Secondly, we don't determine faith in this life, faith is a gift given to us (Rom. 12:3). God does the choosing and of this choosing it was done before the creation of the world (Eph. 1:3-14). God chose us to be His children before the creation of the world so that we would not be able to claim any part of "choosing salvation." Salvation was accomplished outside of ourselves so that couldn't not claim any part of it...that's why it was done before we were ever created. This is what St. Paul meant in Galatians 2:21, when he says, "If righteousness (Salvation) could be gain through the Law (works/decision, etc) then Christ died for nothing (or no purpose (NIV))." If making a decision to follow Christ was the path to salvation, then Christ would not have had to come down to earth and die. Thirdly, as far as infants having faith, they can! If we, from the previous context, understand that faith is God's gift to us, then we can clearly understand that God can give that gift to us from the very beginning of our conception. In 2 Tim. 3:14-17, Paul uses a Greek word called (Brephos, which means from an embryonic state) when he says, "and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures..." What he is saying there is that from an embryo you and I have the ability to know and understand the Scriptures. The same word (brephos) is used when Mary visited Elizabeth in her "6th month" of pregnancy and when she arrived and Mary spoke to her, John the Baptist (the Brephos) "leaped" in her womb at the sound of or presence of the Gospel. So, John, the brephos, exhibited "faith" at the sound/presence of Christ. So faith existed before he was born. So if this is in fact that case, who can say what infants can or cannot believe. Finally, it's not the decision which leads to Baptism that saves, it's what Baptism connects you to that saves you. When a child/infant or adult is Baptized, they are connected to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6; 1 Peter 3:21) and this is what saves. "It's not the removal of dirt from the body, etc., it saves you through the death and resurrection of Christ. When a person/child/infant is Baptized they are connected to Christ' death and resurrection and because He lives that means that we, too, shall live. All the benefits of Christ's vicarious death and resurrection are credited to our account and therefore we become heirs of eternal life, because we are God's adopted children (Gal 4:4-7). In our Baptism we were given the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39) which has become for us a "guarantee" of our salvation (Eph. 1:13-14). (Yes, we can lose salvation, it's not a "once saved always saved deal," but that's a discussion for another day.) But when we continue in the receiving of God's Word and regularly participate in His Sacraments then we are "guaranteed" salvation. I hope this has been helpful. It's wordy, but this is never an easy/brief discussion when it comes to infant baptism. Thanks for your question!

[@run4cmt]

Pastor Joshua Sullivan wrote a really great book called Questions on Baptism.

[@bigtobacco1098]

OIKOS covenant

[@mulkster39]

Beautifully said Pastor! Thank you for taking time to explain for those still living under semi-pelagianism theology.

[@mushtaqmasieh4162]

Please give some more verses as a prof that Infant Baptism is necessary.

[@bigtobacco1098]

OIKOS covenant baptism is the standard

[@kac0404]

@@mushtaqmasieh4162 They can't give any scripture because infant baptism is false doctrine.

[@kac0404]

He can't because they don't exist.

[@bigtobacco1098]

@kac0404 baptism is necessary for all... do you deny the necessity of baptism ??

[@briant2979]

The adoption analogy was key for me to understand this issue, thank you

[@emilytyndall6950]

The adoption concept is being taken out context. Have you personally read the scriptures, in context, which are being referenced?

[@bigtobacco1098]

​@@emilytyndall6950offer something meaningful

[@carrikartes1403]

I was baptized as an infant and have been a strong believer since a very young child. I am assured of my salvation. Lately I have been wondering if I should do an adult baptism? I have been reluctant because I am already dedicated to my Lord and Savior. My confirmation is my public announcement of my dedication and belief. Thank you for sharing. God bless

[@revcody]

@carrikartes1403 I would strongly advise not to be "re-baptized" as it is completly unnecessary as your first baptism was sufficient. If you were baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and with the Word of God and having used water, your baptism is valid and good. Remember, Holy Baptism is God's work, not ours, so if He adopted you, marked you, and wrote your name in the Lamb's book of life, you are His and He is yours! Don't listen to others who say you must be baptized as an adult because you couldn't "believe" as a child, as that is complete foolishness. I appreciate you from dropping into my channel and hope you were enriched by the video! The Lord be wtih you!

[@carrikartes1403]

@@revcody I was happy to find your video. It gave me good direction with my question. I don't believe it would be wrong to do an adult baptism but rather superfluous. I think if I did it now it would be an appeal to vanity and religiosity piety. I just want to please God and was thinking about Jesus' baptism. He certainly did not "need" to be baptized but rather the purpose a formal declaration of His ministry. Lutheran confirmation is my formal declaration. I do like the adoption analogy you used. Thank you. It helped clear up my prayer question.

[@onwave]

You were accepted in the church on the basis of your Baptism, so you ought to accept that basis as valid. People accepted you as a Christian, not a potential Christian. And, they accepted you as a Christian, not because of your parents, but because you were baptized. So, respect your Baptism and acknowledge it and the gifts that were given there.

[@br.m]

Being re-baptized would be a mistake. That should be a sign of unbelief, lack of faith... Would you be giving in to pressure? Because of what humans tell you. With their philosophy and deceit. I was baptized as an infant and would never even consider being re-baptized. I would also take great offence at people who say infant baptism is not sufficient. Anyone speaking against infant baptism, they are blaspheming the Spirit. The unforgivable sin.

[@carrikartes1403]

@@br.m I came to the conclusion also. I prayed about and felt that God said it would not be a sin but that I would be doing it for vanity. It would not be done to please Him. So I no longer consider it. I only want to please Him. Not look good in others eyes. God bless thank you for your comment.

[@juan_xd42]

1 Corinthians 10:1-3 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat. During the passing on the Red Sea, it is obvious that among those groups of jews there were a lot of pregnant woman, babies and childrens. The love of God isn't restricted to age, nor race, nor sex, nor nothing. Thanks for my infant Baptisim, i came to the faith december of last year after years of not fully beliving. Praise God!

[@kac0404]

I have examined all the cases of baptism in Acts of Apostles and found no hint of infant baptism. If God had wanted parents to have their infants baptized, surely he would have made such a matter so plain that, "Wayfaring men, though fools" should "not err therein" (Isaiah 35:8). But there is not one word of scripture for such practice. The scriptures must be distorted and perverted and made to teach something they do not say a word about, in order to present the idea. Assumptions must make up for what is lacking in the record, so as to make a show of sustaining the theory.

[@revcody]

@@kac0404 why would a 1500 year old practice of the Christian Church of baptizing infants, before “believer’s baptism” or decision theology reared its ugly head, be wrong? If Baptizing infants was not appropriate, the Scritural record would have said something about it. I can come from the argument of silence in the other side of your argument. To deny infant baptism is theological theft. Baptism is God’s work, not man’s. God wants to give the gift of salvation in and through baptism. If you deny infant baptism, you either have an errant doctrine of baptism or an errant doctrine of faith. Faith is a gift given by God, not something we “decide” on. Ephesians 2:1, “You were dead in your trespasses and sins”…dead men can do nothing but stink. Adults can no more “choose Christ” than can an infant. The argument is mute. God chooses you in your baptism not the other way around. However, if you want to claim responsibility for “saving yourself” then, by all means, go right ahead. However, I will rest safely and securely in the fact that my God saved me in Ana through the waters of my Holy Baptism. If God gives me faith, and God chose me before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1), and God has adopted me as His child, and God has adopted me Gal.4:4-6, and God has written my name in the Lamb’s book of life, who am I, a sinner, to say that I had anything to do with that?!?! I am but a poor wretched sinner, who can claim nothing but my sin, and am only saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9). It is not by works….so no man can boast. But you go right ahead and take the saving and stoning work of Christ for yourself, and tell Him when you get there…Hey, Jesus, thanks for only partially saving me on the cross…now let me do my part now. This isn’t a Jesus plus theology we are talking about here. It’s Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus! Until you recognize that it’s a Jesus only theology, we have nothing in common. Thanks for the debate on the efficacy and Scriptural mandate for infant Baptism. One last point…if God didn’t intend for infants to be baptized straight away, why in the WORLD would He command that little baby boys be circumcised on the 8th day of their lives? Why would God want babies in the Old Testament to be part of His covenant family, but not in the New Testament? Your argument is simply balderdash and hold no weight. God has always desired the salvation of His children. Also, how do you know that babies can’t believe? John the Baptist leaped in Elizabeth’s womb at the presence of Jesus and at the sound of the Gospel. That was an expression of faith…you certainly can’t deny that. Also, children, including infants can communicate. You may not have children of your own, but I do, and when they cry it’s uncanny how quickly we jump up to answer their call for food and diaper changes, etc. they know how to communicate exactly what they want. Also, do you stop being a Christian when you sleep?!?! You’re not actively thinking about holy things or even about your faith, but that doesn’t stop you from believing in God and keep God from loving you. Same hold true for infants even if they are not thinking about holy things or about faith, and repentance, or anything else. They belong to God nevertheless just like we belong to God. Let me guess you gave your heart to Jesus at some point? Right?

[@kac0404]

@revcody All of that, and you still never answered my question. I specifically ask for no unnecessary commentary, and you did just that. What I want from you is to show me in the New Testament where infants were baptized in the name of the Lord for the remission of their sins. Again, give book, chapter, and verse only. No opinions or long unnecessary commentary needed!

[@kac0404]

@@revcody Read Romans 5:12. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” - NKJV Does this teach that we are all born sinners because of Adam’s sin? Absolutely not! It was the sentence of death, not sin, which spread to all men. Man has not inherited the guilt of Adam’s sin, but the consequences [death] of his sin. The only person that bears the guilt of Adam’s sin is Adam. Read Romans 5:19. “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” NKJV If all are made sinners because of Adam, all are made righteous because of Christ. Is every single person who has ever lived saved because of Christ? Of course not! (Matthew 7:13-14) “Enter by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” NKJV Adam introduced sin into the world.

[@revcody]

@@kac0404 Acts 10:44 While Peter was still saying these things, ithe Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among jthe circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because kthe gift of the Holy Spirit lwas poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them mspeaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 n“Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit ojust as we have?” 48 And he pcommanded them qto be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. If you knew your Church history and how baptisms worked in the early church, whole households were baptized when the Apostles would be about the work of Christ. It's absolutely ridiculous to assume that the Apostles would go around the room at a house and say, "okay you and you can be baptized, but you and you cannot because you're not old enough to make a "personal decision." That argument would be ludicrous. History tells us that everyone in the home would be baptized, women, children, servant, and relatives who lived and served under that man's roof. By the way, what I wrote was spectacular Biblical theology, not "unnecessary commentary." So, you show me book, chapter, and verse that says literally the words, "(1)infants can't believe, and (2)that infants should be excluded from the blessed sacrament of Holy Baptism." Please?

[@kac0404]

@revcody And that still doesn't answer my question. All you did is give me more commentary that I didn't ask for. Showing me Acts 10, the household of Cornelius and Holy Spirit Baptism, is not at all answering my question. I'm well aware of the different baptisms in the New Testament. Your claim is that infant baptism exists in the New Testament, and I'm asking you to show me in the Bible. If you stand on your word, then make it factual. If you can't give me book, chapter, and verse as to where infant baptism exists, then that means it doesn't exist.

[@healhands5760]

Remeber when the children wanted to come to Jesus but their parents stopped them? What did Jesus said? "Let the children come to me"

[@dakotasmith1344]

Infant baptism is an act of obedience done by the parent on behalf of the infant. The idea would be that the parent would raise the child up in church and instruct them fully in the faith. This derives from more of a groupish mindset, as present in those early eastern societies. Confirmation is actually something else done later (13 or older) which would allow for a person baptized as an infant to make their own statement of faith. That being said, I do see the potential experiential advantage of a person remembering and asking for their own baptism. But I believe both forms of baptism are legitimate, and both forms of baptism were present in the early church. Something though to consider that’s a practical point in favor of infant baptism. The unbaptized cannot (or should not be allowed to) take communion. We may only be made worthy of the body and blood of Christ by participating in His death and resurrection through baptism (Paul says communion must not be taken in an unworthy manner). So someone baptized as a kid could take communion while an unbaptized kid would have to wait.

[@Providence7]

Infant baptism is not biblical, nor is by sprinking or by pouring of water. You must first believe before you can get baptised. This luthern explination was horrible and unuseful. There is no reason to do infant baptism, its what the catholics do. Think about it....

[@kac0404]

@@Providence7 I totally agree .

[@Kasadilla1]

Thank you so much for this video, I’m trying to convince someone I really care about that infant baptism is true. I guess my only question is that in Acts 2:38 it says “repent and be baptized.” How exactly do babies repent? From what I know it’s Gods action. Do babies repent when they are older and do they “claim” their baptism when they are older? These are the only things I seem to wrestle with. I understand it’s (baptism) Gods work, that babies can have faith, it’s the fullfillement of circumcision, that is forgives sins, and gives the Holy Spirt.

[@steveschaible6722]

It says, "Repent and be baptized". Not repent first, then be baptized. If I said, "Eat apples and oranges", that doesn't mean you can't eat oranges first and then apples second. Repent and be baptized simply means you need to do both. It does not specify an order.

[@kevinschultz2243]

Mark 16:16

[@kac0404]

That verse is not applied to infants.

[@kevinschultz2243]

@@kac0404 Infants cannot believe. That is a requirement of the verse.

[@kac0404]

@@kevinschultz2243 You're right. Thank you.

[@georgemadar9720]

If man is not at all involved, please explain the definition of baptism from 1 Peter 3:21 " the answer of a good conscience toward God" (NKJV). How does the infant show "a good conscience toward God"?

[@michaelibach9063]

The conscience is cleared because of God, not man. Infants also have no sin, thus have nothing to clear, but original sin. 1 Peter 3:21 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Ezekiel 36:25-29 25 I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will take out of your flesh the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances. 28 You shall dwell in the land which I gave to your fathers; and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. 29 And I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses; and I will summon the grain and make it abundant and lay no famine upon you.

[@sunnyjohnson992]

The correct answer is this: Baptism leads to a good conscience when we dedicate ourselves to God and get baptized, we enter into a special relationship with him. Because of our sincere repentance and our faith in the ransom, God forgives our sins. We can thus have a good conscience! Infants can’t repent or put faith in Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. The Bible clearly shows that “men and women got baptized.” (Acts 8:12)

[@bigtobacco1098]

​@@sunnyjohnson992any OIKOS baptisms ???

[@br.m]

@@sunnyjohnson992 Silly fool

[@br.m]

Why were babies circumcised?

[@binusamuel8935]

Short and sweet talk on the topic of baptism.

[@tandetumbo270]

Thankyou for your clarification of Baptism

[@josephgabriel4261]

Ur statement and theology is acceptable bro ur right in placing thanks

[@millionairemafia9610]

Was the question of why Lutherans perform infant baptism actually answered? What are you saying that the purpose of baptism is?

[@revcody]

@millionairemafia9610 yes! The question was answered. Infants are to be baptized because they are included in the words and promises of Christ when He said “Go and baptize and teach ALL NATIONS of which infants and children are included. Acts 2:38-39, “the promise is for you and your children.” We Baptize because of the promise of Christ and His command to do so. The purpose of Baptism is for God to do His redeeming work through the washing of the Word and through the Holy Spirit to connect that child to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, adopting that child into the family of faith. Titus 3:5-7, Romans 6, Ephesians 1. Remember, Baptism is God’s work…not ours. Finally, remember this, Jesus won’t let you be your own Savior!! Jesus gets credit for the “save!” Not us!

[@millionairemafia9610]

@revcody are you saying that baptism saves? How would an infant have faith? All nations doesn't literally mean every single person in the world (although that would be awesome). Forcing every person in the world to get baptized would be pointless. I'm also confused about how baptism is covenantal, and where that is coming from, because the New Covenant is grace through faith, not law; there is nothing about baptism being part of the New Covenant. Baptism is absolutely something a Christian is commanded to do as an outward proclamation of an inward working of the Holy Spirit and as a profession of our faith in Jesus. However, it is symbolic only. Anyone (not just infants) who is baptized outside of a profession of faith is just getting dunked in water.

[@sunnyjohnson992]

Acts 8:12: “But when they believed Philip, who was declaring the good news of the Kingdom of God, and of the name of Jesus Christ, both MEN AND WOMEN were getting baptized.” Here the Scriptural record clearly specifies that the ones baptized were, NOT infants, but “Men and Women.” Infant baptism is not compatible with the Scriptures. The Bible teaches that a person who wants to get baptized must meet certain requirements. For example, he should understand at least the basic teachings of God’s Word and be living in harmony with those teachings. He had repented of his sins; and through prayer he has dedicated his life to God. (Acts 2:38,41) Infants aren’t able to do these things. And the Bible tells us at 1 Corinthians 7:14 that God views very young children as holy, or clean in his eyes because of the parents good standing with God. Babies wouldn’t need to have the merit of the believing parent extended to them if infant baptism was that necessary.

[@br.m]

@@millionairemafia9610 Friend, you should read your Bible more. Why would you ask "how would an infant have faith"? Sir, can I ask you a question? Why were infants circumcised? Why not wait till they were adults and then ask them if they want to be circumcised? If you read the Bible, Baptism is compared to circumcision. So, how is baptism, in your mind, not part of the new covenant? Was circumcision not part of an old covenant??? By your logic, shouldn't Naaman have gone in to the Jordan a dry leper, and emerged a wet leper? Think about that please. You appear to be preaching work based salvation. More importantly, to deny infant baptism is to blaspheme the Spirit. Now, I was baptized as a baby. I received the gift of the Holy Spirit. So if you dare say to me, that I must be baptized again. You are guilty of the unforgivable sin. This is a hard thing to say but it is the truth. So what are you saying? Are you blaspheming the Holy Spirit? It seems like you have committed the unforgivable sin. What's next?

[@br.m]

@@sunnyjohnson992 Stop lying. You are guilty of the unforgivable sin. You went too far. Who do you think you are to tell me my baptism is invalid? Get over yourslf, demoniac.

[@run4cmt]

It is like planting a seed of faith. I would want my child to grow up with the Holy Spirit within them. God brings us into his family through baptism. Jewish boys were circumcised at 8 days old. I believe that is a foreshadowing of Baptism.

[@himynameisjohnwumsh7631]

Mark 1:8 (quoting John the Baptist) I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5 Jesus talking ; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Matthew 3: 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

[@bigtobacco1098]

How did the early church get this wrong so quickly

[@himynameisjohnwumsh7631]

@@bigtobacco1098 you are asking the wrong person. I don’t know much about the early church.

[@bigtobacco1098]

@@himynameisjohnwumsh7631 Jesus started his church...

[@himynameisjohnwumsh7631]

@@bigtobacco1098 Jesus is the chief cornerstone…

[@bigtobacco1098]

@himynameisjohnwumsh7631 yes... and??

[@philipjohnson1546]

Very solid, much appreciated pastor. And John chapter 1 says Jesus Christ is the light that lights every man that comes into the world. I love the contract/covenant understanding. Also the old covenant of circumcision was commanded for infants. The fact that the New testament is not explicit on this speaks volumes for infant baptism.

[@revcody]

@philipjohnson1546 thanks for the comment! The Bible is silent on the issue of age for a reason….because baptism is not about the age or the faith of the recipient, but baptism is exclusively about the “promise and command” of Jesus to “do it!” We offer baptism at all ages because the “promise” is for “you and your children.” Evangelicals use age to make it a work of man and rob Christ of the “promises” given in Holy Baptism, because they don’t believe there are any spiritual benefits that come with baptism. It means nothing to them so they/Baptist/Evangelicals withhold Baptism till later. (Rev. Rick Cody)

[@mysticmouse7261]

The Law is a bilateral covenant.

[@revcody]

@mysticmouse the Law is not a covenant…it’s the Law!

[@mysticmouse7261]

@@revcody huh? It's called the old covenant as opposed to the new one which is the Gospel.

[@revcody]

@mysticmouse7261 the old covenant is circumcision…the new covenant is Baptism!!

[@mysticmouse7261]

@@revcody the Jewish covenant is bilateral

[@vikotto]

I always default to “solo escritura.” If there is no example of a child baptism or a teaching of it from Christ/apostles, then it falls into that “gray area” and it shouldn’t be categorized into doctrine but rather, dogma. When in doubt…stick to scripture, it can’t go wrong.

[@danbratten3103]

Knowledge of history also helps to understand things. For instance, when Gentile families wanted to become proselytes, they were baptized because they needed to pass through water, like the jewish ancestors did crossing the Jordan. You can learn more about this from the book: Infant Baptism, in the first four Centuries, by Joachim Jeremias. Fyi, it's not an easy reading book. The New Testament shows us missionary work, unbelievers becoming believers. When a family became Christians, the head of the family, usually the father, spoke on behalf of the family, and the family was baptized. Because of the Apostles being familiar with the jewish practice of baptizing proselytes (individuals & families), there was no need to spell out specifically about baptizing infants. Also, Paul mentions not only things we are to do but also things that should not be done. If infant baptism is supposedly so heretical, Paul would have mentioned it. Lastly, we can do nothing to earn our salvation and the Bible clearly teaches in multiple places that baptism saves (see 1 Peter 3:21, & Mark 16:16) and of course Christ telling us that that which is born of the flesh needs to be born of the Spirit to see heaven in John 3:2-7. Infants need to be born again. Also the Bible says in Romans 6:23 "the wages of sin is death", and since there have been infants that have died, it proves original sin exists and the need for infants sins to be washed away in the waters of baptism. Hope these examples help. Blessings to you in Christ. Amen. 🙏🏻

[@bigtobacco1098]

OIKOS covenant

[@TULIP1024]

The existence of the non-elect renders your argument dead. If baptism is really showcasing this "unilateral" covenant that God is going to uphold and a non-elect baby is baptized then this is a contradiction. It is clear from scripture, those that are saved are those who God predestined or elected to salvation before the foundation of the world. Unless God has elected every person to salvation (which scripture clearly teaches that He hasn't; see Romans 9:11-13, for example), there remains the contradiction that God will enter into a "unilateral" contract with a person at birth, that He has not elected for salvation.

[@dakotasmith1344]

This is wacky. So why baptize anyone, since we don’t know who the Calvinist elect are? God will do whatever He wills, and baptism wouldn’t have anything to do with it. (Which flies in the face of Scripture) What’s funny is Calvinism proves out universalism: 1. God truly loves all persons. 2. Not all persons will be saved. 3. Truly to love someone is to desire their well-being and to promote their true flourishing as much as you properly can. 4. The well-being and true flourishing of all persons is to be found in a right relationship with God, a saving relationship in which we love and obey him. 5. God could give all persons “irresistible grace” and thereby determine all persons to freely accept a right relationship with himself and be saved. 6. Therefore, all persons will be saved.

[@DannyLoyd]

Jesus said, " He that believes and is baptized shall be saved", Mark 16:16, a baby cannot believe. Peter said, " Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus", a baby cannot repent. Acts 2:38 It says that Saul/Paul persecuted the church dragging out men and women from their homes, a baby is not a man or a woman.

[@revcody]

@@DannyLoyd how do you know a baby can’t believe? John the Baptist expressed faith when he leaped in his mothers womb (Luke 1:41). The Greek word used is “Brephos” which means from an embryonic stage. Therefore, babies CAN in fact believe. Plus! Baptism is not man’s work…it’s God’s work. He chooses us in our Baptism not us choosing Him. But if you want to take credit for salvation and not give it to our Lord Christ, you go right ahead and do that. Also, faith is a gift from God! Humans don’t determine faith. Grace is a gift from God just given to us. I don’t have to work for it. I don’t have to believe for it…it’s simply given to me by my gracious and loving God. And, faith comes before repentance. As for Acts 2:38, faith preceeds any kind of repentance, because repentance is an act of faith. Not to mention also, that children are included in the words “all nations” in Matthew 28:19. The Christian Church on earth has been baptizing babies since it’s inception. It wasn’t until the time of the Reformation that they started baptizing adults or baptizing individuals. Acts 2:38-39, for the promise is for you and your “children” and for all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself. God is the One who calls, gathers, and enlightens His people. Bottom line…stop taking credit for the “save” it belongs to Christ and Him alone! Who are you to say that God can’t save His little children. Be careful before you start answering for God in the future! Finally the last argument you mention about St Paul dragging people out of their homes as an argument against infant baptism is simply balderdash!!

[@stevenanderson9380]

Matthew 19:14 NIV the Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” We bring infants in to Christ's family. Teach them as they grow and learn to understand. Then they "confirm" these beliefs as young adults. I believe this is the proper way to raise a Christian (LCMS) child and lead them to Christ. As parents, it is our responsibility to lead our children to Christ. As they mature, they will learn to repent. Acts 2:38 says, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

[@Walkeraish]

So which one is it? Contract or Covenant? These are 2 different setups, but you kept merging them as the same. A contract is invalid when one of the involved parties violates it. A covenant remains intact even if one of the parties breaches it. Lastly, there is nothing in the Bible that specify this argument that Batism is a covenant, because where in the Bible does it say that? John the babtist was clearing the way for Jesus with repentance of sin THEN babtism. What you have described is not Biblical and you made it sound like babtism is ensurance of salvation because God has put his mark upon them through babtism. No, this is not what the Bible teach. I'm sorry, but your explenation made no sense at all acording to scripture.

[@RCopley23]

So God is saving the infant because YOU have declared them a child of God? Isn't that for God to do through faith and the baptism of the holy spirit?

[@evangelicalcatholics]

Yes, but faith isn't some work we do for God. Faith is a gift FROM God. Faith isn't about will or understanding/comprehension. Otherwise Paul would have said, "saved by grace through understanding." That's not what he said.

[@jamielake-boyd3600]

Well god said i could have my grandkids and government came in with some b.s. he gave me the covenant. He gave them a sign with the tempest to prove it.

[@douglasbozard3630]

Well said !!!

[@joostbakker]

With this reasoning, although it seems very humble and God-honouring at first sight, the only people that get saved are the ones born in "the church", which is absolutely unbiblical. The idea that accepting the free gift of salvation would be a work (of the law) is ruling out the means through which God wishes to grant us, humans, salvation.

[@revcody]

Joost, it is not unbiblical to say that any and all who "call on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Rom. 10:13) and "all who believe and are baptized will be saved" (Mk 16:16). Most often those who are called the "Baptized of the Lord" are called "Christians" and are, therefore, members of Christ's Church on earth. Salvation does not occur outside of Christ and His Means of Grace (Acts 4:12). In Ephesians 2:1, St. Paul tells us, that we are "dead in our trespasses and sins." The only thing a dead man can do is...STINK! How, then, can a dead man accept or do anything when it comes to salvation? Salvation is a gift given to us by God (Eph. 2:8-9) Baptism is God's action toward us not, our action towards God. God is active...we are passive recipients of His grace and forgiveness and salvation that He delivers through His Word and Sacraments. In our Holy Baptism, God reaches down and grabs a hold of us and claims us as His own. We cannot in any way lay hold of Him until He makes us alive through the Word and the Spirit and the water (Titus 3:5-7). My question to you would be, what do you believe to be the "means through which God wishes to grant us, humans, salvation?"

[@joostbakker]

@@revcody I agree with you for a great part of your reply, but I still think you go wrong at a certain point or at least I would like to ask you a question as well. But first let me answer your question: I would say 'faith'. Faith is the means through which God grants us salvation (Eph. 2:8-9). I am in agreement with you that we humans are not capable to get things right with God, unless God reached out to us. Still, I disagree on the way how God reaches out to humans. I think this is not through baptism, but through His Holy Spirit that brings our 'dead hearts' to life and regenerates us, renews our affections, sheds light on the gospel and enables us to believe the good news of Christ's death and resurrection in our place. This transformation is in fact a dying of the old self and a coming alive of our new nature in Christ, which is displayed in baptism (Rom. 6:3-4). Do you see in the description I gave you how it is God that saves a human being through the means of faith? And that baptism is not playing a part in this process (as I see it) but rather displays what happens at the moment a human gets saved. I would like to ask you: do you think people can get saved without being baptized?

[@revcody]

@@joostbakker this is an excellent discussion and I appreciate your kindness in your responses! First of all we need to agree that faith is a gift that is given to us by God (Phil 1:29; Eph 2:8-9) and not something that we come upon or "decide" upon. God is the giver of faith, and we are passive recipients. We also need to agree that children can have faith. The Bible is clear that children can and have always demonstrated faith. (ex. John the Baptist leaping in his mother's womb. Jesus saying that "whoever causes one of My "littles" (Greek: mikron, where we get the English word (micro: small) "Who BELIEVE IN ME, to sin, it would be better for him to have a millstone tied....Mt. 18:6)) Jesus often equated the kingdom of God to little children. He also said, "Unless you have "faith" like this little child you cannot enter the kingdom of God (Mk10). The Bible also says, "No one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit," 1 Cor 12:3. Jesus also said, "No one can come to Me unless the Father draws him."(John 6:44) So now that we have established the fact that God gives faith as a gift, where is that gift given? Faith is a gift given to us by God and it is also delivered to us in our Holy Baptism and through the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 2:38-39; 1 Peter 3:21) "Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself." "Baptism which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ..." This last verse ties into what you are alluding to in Romans 6:4, 8-11. In Holy Baptism, we die with Christ (Gal 2:20-21) and rise again to new life in Him. This death takes place in your Holy Baptism where are drowned with all sins and brought to new life in Christ (2 Cor 5:17). In your Holy Baptism, you are being adopted as a son or daughter (Gal 4:4-6; Rom 8:15; Eph 1:5) of God and He marks you and redeems you and saves you, not by any righteous deed or merits of your own, but solely by the grace of God. We are not "saved" in a moment of time. You were chosen by God before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless "saved" in Jesus Christ (cf. Eph. 1:3-14) God does the choosing; God does the predestining; God provides the redemption; God grants us, adopted children, His inheritance; All this He does through the Holy Spirit who is "given" to us in our Holy Baptism (Acts 2:38-39) and when we receive the Holy Sprit He is a deposit, a guarantee of our salvation until we acquire possession of it. Basically, salvation is all God's work and none of ours. He's the gifter...we the receivers. Honestly, the only reason people want to say that they "made a decision" for Christ is because their sinful arrogance won't let Christ have the credit for His sacrifice on the cross, as if it is somehow not sufficient to save completely (cf. Gal 2:21) If all we had to do is "make a decision" to follow Christ in order to be "saved," which, by our sinful nature, we would all fail miserably; then Christ died on the cross for no purpose. Even if we could do one thing...like giving our heart to Jesus....then Christ would not have had to die, but we were dead (Eph. 2:1) blind, and unable to do anything about our lost situation so Jesus did it vicariously in our stead. To your final question: Can one be saved without baptism? This is a tricky question because it's a "yes" and a "no" question. If a person prior to their Holy Baptism (ex. the thief on the cross, deathbed conversions or someone in an auto accident and pinned in the car and cannot escape, still birth, miscarrages) and they happen to die, they can and shall be saved through faith...because we don't decide on faith or determine faith it is a gift from God. Children who are born into Christian families, and who die in birth or before birth, who parents have every intention of having their children baptized and raised in the church, are saved...even those that are miscarried because the Scriptures declare that infants "in utero" [the Greek word "Brephos" pronounced "breffos," (cf. Lk 1:44; 2 Tim 3:15)] can have faith and knowledge of God's Word and respond to it. It's not the lack of baptism that damns, it's the despising of baptism that damns. If a person didn't have the opportunity to be baptism, that will not condemn that person. It's the person who calls themselves a Christian and says, "I don't need baptism in order to be saved" that's despising Baptism and that is what damns. "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be condemned. So, if someone is rejecting or despising baptism...then I would say it is, indeed, necessary for salvation. It's necessary because of what it connects you to...the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Rom. 6) Because Jesus lives...we will live, too! A Christian's faith response is always going to be like the Ethiopian eunuch who said when talking with Phillip on the road, "Here is water...what's keeping me from being baptized?" Acts 8:36. The natural response from the believer in Christ is to be baptized whatever the age of the person. The question should never be...how little can I get away with and still be saved? You believe? Good...get baptized! Just remember in the process you don't get the credit...God does and always will! Peace in Jesus!

[@joostbakker]

​@@revcody Thank you for your lengthy and in-depth response! Appreciate that. I don't know exactly where to start, but there are a few things we disagree on and I think the first thing is that I think people ARE saved in 'a moment of time', namely at the moment they put their faith (trust) in Christ. Think about the jailor in Acts 16:30-31. Before he had put his faith in Christ he was lost but according to Paul he could be saved by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. (And yes, we do agree on the fact that no human would do this out of their own sinful nature, but only through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit within them.) I think these verses also neatly show that it is faith that saves one, not baptism. Yes, God commands us to baptize regenerated people, but I interpret this as a first act (fruit) of obedience and not is the means through which Gods grace is applied. When it comes down to why I think baptism is not necessary for salvation (even though the Bible does seem to point to this at some places) I would like you to provide a link to another video in which this is explained well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5PLi5qebMx3j6s. One more time about the idea that putting our faith in Christ would be a work of our own: I think you interpret this wrong. Let me first say that there probably are a lot of people who think they can make the choice for God themselves (without God), in this case I would say I agree with you, not directly on the fact that one could not make the choice to trust Christ, but more on the unbiblical reasoning/philosophy behind it. But, when you take the position that man, through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit (through the hearing of the Word/gospel), can be made able to put his faith in Christ, Gods sovereignty and humans responsibility can be accepted at the same time. For more on this, see for example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKDKf5iKbtBpi8k. If you don't agree with that, than my question to you would be: on what bases would you baptize a mature person who was not raised a Christian? Isn't it faith (a persons choice to trust Christ before he/she is baptized) that ALLOWS him/her to be baptized? You referred to the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:36 and here you can see Philip holding the eunuch to the exact same standards as I just described: "Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”" (Acts 8:37 NKJV) God bless you!

[@revcody]

@@joostbakker my dear brother in Christ! You answer as a classic Calvinist/Baptist/Evangelical would. You see only see Baptism as "an outward sign of an inward change" and not a Sacrament that God uses to deliver His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation. Until then, we have nothing in common. The last thing I'll say about the issue of faith being God's work and gift to us and not man's, is to say that "faith and salvation" is not a Jesus + (plus) initiative. If it's Jesus plus then what follows the plus always becomes the most important thing, when the only important thing is the work of Christ. A "mature' adult who has been given, by God, the gift of faith by the working of the Holy Spirit, through the Word of God, that individual still can't take credit for their faith. the Bible says, "No one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:3). When a person who is in an worshiping environment and "decides" they want to be baptized, they didn't come to that decision by their own will or their own initiative. They were chosen by God, selected by God, and drawn by God's Holy Spirit to make that decision...it had nothing to do with them because they/we are "dead in our trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1). Believers aren't "ALLOWED" to be Baptized...they are given the PROMISE and inclusion of Baptism by the very words of Christ to the world...of which infants and adults are all included when He said, "Go, therefore, into all NATIONS, teaching and baptizing... (Mt 28:18-20). If you say that baptism doesn't save, how do you explain what Peter says in 1 Peter 3:21, "Baptism,...now saves you?" Baptism is salvific because it connects you to Jesus' death and resurrection..."Because He lives...you will live!" (Rom. 6:8-11) "He that believes and is BAPTIZED will be saved" (Mk 16:16). You're making faith and baptism two mutually exclusive events when they are one and the same. They go hand in hand. If you have faith, you will have baptism, because that will be the natural Christian progression of events. An adult Christian will naturally want and desire baptism. Faith + baptism =salvation.

[@jamielake-boyd3600]

No crap. Why cant a 6 year old get baptized if infants can? i look at it for protection until they are old enough to understand. we need like a promise. A sign you ask god for ultimate protection over your loved one.

[@bigtobacco1098]

OIKOS covenant

[@stevekohl5351]

This commentator is likely a LCMS minister. In the ELCA, a baptised member has the opportunity to affirm the baptism. After 2-3 years of instruction, a 14 or 15 year old member affirms the baptism through the rite of confirmation. It is also known as affirmation of baptism.

[@joanbonnet8229]

Very well said. Thank you.

[@larrybedouin2921]

The denomination has fallen from grace.

[@johnmann1336]

And what is the promise: the forgiveness of original sin.

[@revcody]

Yes! The promise is forgiveness of sins (both original and actual) (Acts 2:38-39). "For the forgiveness of your sins...for the promise is for 'you and your children'." Also, the promise that "baptism now saves you" (1 Peter 3:21) Also, the promise and guarantee of our inheritance comes through baptism as well (Eph. 1:13-14). We were given the Holy Spirit in our Holy Baptism (Acts 2:38-39), who is the "seal and guarantee" of our salvation or inheritance now, but not yet, which will be fully realized in heaven. So many promises come to us in and through Holy Baptism, and the GOOD NEWS is that is is for everyone...regardless of age...because Baptism and faith are God's gifts to us...not our gifts to God. Holy Baptism is God's act of choosing us to be His children...not our act of choosing Him to be our God.

[@kac0404]

@johnmann1336 Infants and young children are sinless and safe from condemnation. Because of their innocence, Jesus says about them: “for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14). If a baby or young child dies, he will be guaranteed a home in Heaven. Baptism is not for small children since they are born free of sin. Besides, they are not mature enough to fully comprehend truth and what is required of those who need to be baptized. When an adolescent child matures to the point of being able to understand the moral consequences of right and wrong and does wrong, he has committed sin and thus, like adults, needs salvation through Christ. In Romans 7:9, I believe Paul speaks of that in his own life when innocence ended and he began to fail in his responsibility to obey God’s commandments.

[@johnmann1336]

@@kac0404 Psalm 51

[@kac0404]

@johnmann1336 That entire Psalm is a humble prayer for forgiveness. And I hope that going over it like that helps to dispel some of the confusion over verse 5. No one is born in sin. No one is guilty of sin when they’re conceived. God doesn’t desire sin in our innermost parts. God desires truth, and righteousness in our inward spirit. And so that’s exactly how He starts us out. We are all born just as true and righteous as can be.

[@SantaCruz-tr8qy]

Why is No One Talking About... The individual who has put his trust in Jesus Christ as his Savior is in personal fellowship with Him all the time. . If you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, then you must believe in Gods scriptures, not your pastor (religion) Jeremiah 23:23 The problem with God is not that He's so far away that we can't see Him. Rather, He is so close that we overlook Him. That means, you can have an Conversation with GOD anytime anywhere . The eternal purpose of God in Jesus Christ is to give us this new relationship with God (John 3:16; 6:37, 39; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21). 1Corinthians 3:16-20 Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. Not only will you need this information for yourself, but you will want to share this with others Who To Believe, GOD or Your Preacher ?

[@br.m]

Friend.. What is your point? Were you trying to make a point with your comment? Are you trying to tell me that infant baptism is no good? Are you suggesting the Lutheran pastor who baptized me when I was a baby, was a liar and deceived me? Yet, look... Behold... I am an old man now and my infant baptism is valid. In no way do I need to be baptized again. If you even dare to suggest I need to be baptized again, then you commit the unforgivable sin. I know my baptism is valid and working, I know I received the gift. If you will suggest otherwise then you are indeed guilty of blasphemy of the Spirit. So, were you trying to say something one way or the other with your comment?

[@AndrewHenderson23]

Oh wow! I love in Wichita Falls and this randomly popped up in my feed! Super cool! God bless brother!

[@geordiewishart1683]

What if I abducted a Muslim child and had him secretly baptized before returning him to his parents?

[@benjiikurai4755]

Infant Batism is for the believing parents. Who can not just randomly pick or abduct any muslim to to be baptised.

[@geordiewishart1683]

If infant baptism is for the believing parents then how can it benefit the child?

[@emilytyndall6950]

THANK YOU!! This post is self-delusion! 😢

[@justsewit_tk5477]

"You Lutherans??" I have to laugh! I was 12 when I was baptised in the LUTHERAN church. The reason is because my father (who wasn't Lutheran) didn't believe in baptising a baby. We have confirmation of Faith for the young adults to basically confirm what we have promised at that young person's baptism. My three children have all been baptised as babies and two of the three have thus far confirmed their faith. My youngest is yet to in the next few years (they are only 8 at the moment).

[@1korincanima151-4]

Paul says that Christ did not send him to baptize, but to preach the Gospel, water baptism is part of Israel's prophetic program, and not for the Body of Christ today in the dispensation of grace, for today spiritual baptism when one believes in the Gospel of Grace is sealed with the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption, therefore one must learn to properly separate the Word of Truth in Letter 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

[@DannyLoyd]

Then why did Paul baptize? Acts 18 shows the Corinthians were baptized by Paul. Why does Paul say in 1 Cor 1 that in order to belong to Christ, he had to be crucified for you and you have to be baptized into his name. It is a not/but statement, like in Joh when Jesus says, " Those who believe in me, believe not in me, but on him who sent me", so does that mean we do not believe in Jesus? or is he saying that those who believe in him, believe not in him only, but also the one who sent him? Christ sent me not to baptize only, but also to preach the gospel or else, tell us why he did baptize?

[@brucedavenport7016]

The answer to your question is...because you misunderstand scripture!

[@revcody]

Ummmm, nope! Don’t think so! Thanks for watching though! The Lord be with you!

[@revcody]

When an infant is born in the United States, that infant is a citizen, not by his own will, but by decree of our constitution. He doesn't even know it or what it means for him, but that infant is a full citizen regardless. When an infant is born, we don't wait until he can comprehend and tell him "choose your name," but the parents immediately name him and bring that infant into the family by name. This is why we baptize infants. God is claiming that child as part of His kingdom and full citizenship in His kingdom, and God is giving that child a new name that is with him forever.

[@revcody]

You disagree because you think Baptism is your work and not God’s work in our lives. I must say, you’re making a mighty bold assertion there!

[@brucedavenport7016]

@@revcody At least, by that admission, you state there is no scriptural support for the action. I don't care if you sprinkle water on a baby's head, just please don't infer it has any scriptural merit. It doesn't!

[@brucedavenport7016]

@@revcody I disagree because your interpretation of scripture is fundamentally flawed. There is ZERO scriptural support for infant baptism An infant cannot repent. An infant cannot believe in the Christ An infant cannot pray to receive the Holy Spirit Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

[@josephgabriel4261]

Bro if a child expir

[@InDallasTexas]

What is bro? Is that formal English? Brother like a friar or what do you mean? Most people address a Lutheran pastor as "Reverend" or "Pastor." Understand, bro?

[@Mygoalwogel]

@@InDallasTexas I think something bad happened to him as he was trying to comment.

[@run4cmt]

Baptism is not a work. For by Grace are we saved, it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast. It is a gift we get during Baptism.

[@emilytyndall6950]

Baptism is a work that the parents are doing for the child. Also, where in the Bible does it talk about this “binding contract?”

[@iamcosta]

Baptism should only be done by those who became born again so that they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Infant baptism is wrong. Jesus only blessed little children.

[@run4cmt]

We are given the gift of faith in Baptism. Matthew 28 says to baptize all nations. When escaping from prison one of the guards was converted. He and his entire household was baptized. That means babies. In the early church, babies were baptized. In Israel, babies were circumcised at 8 days old. That is a foreshadowing of baptism. The Holy Spirit is given to us in baptism as evidenced by the presence of the Holy Spirit at Jesus baptism..@@iamcosta

[@michaelibach9063]

Because your supposed to baptize infants, that’s why.

[@emilytyndall6950]

What does that even mean?

[@sunnyjohnson992]

Scripture?

[@bigtobacco1098]

Acts 2:38 ... OIKOS covenant

[@larschristianalm]

I disagree with infant baptism. I don’t think the adoption analogy helps. Anyone should be old enough to be able to consent to their own baptism. It’s not necessary to baptise infants. Everyone should have the freedom to choose.

[@evangelicalcatholics]

When an infant is born in the United States, that infant is a citizen, not by his own will, but by decree of our constitution. He doesn't even know it or what it means for him, but that infant is a full citizen regardless. When an infant is born, we don't wait until he can comprehend and tell him "choose your name," but the parents immediately name him and bring that infant into the family by name. This is why we baptize infants. God is claiming that child as part of His kingdom and full citizenship in His kingdom, and God is giving that child a new name that is with him forever.

[@gumbyshrimp2606]

@@evangelicalcatholicsthat is a great apologetic I’m going to use that

[@lkae4]

You just sealed the win for the alphabet movement. Well done.

[@mossadagent9582]

If an adult wants to honour the baptism done in infancy he can do so. If he wants to leave Christ and follow his own desires he can do so. As parents they have done their duties in bringing the child to Christ!

[@evangelicalcatholics]

@@mossadagent9582 And hopefully the parents/sponsors and the congregation nurtured that child's faith from baptism to adulthood so he doesn't leave the faith. This is a BIG issue in churches these days, parents not teaching/catechizing at home.