Do you believe it is proper to baptize children?
If so why so.
If not why not.
I'm also interested in what the early Church Christian had to say about that. Peace and kindness,
Fred (arcura)
I believe that someone must first know and believe in what he/she is going to be baptized to.
Children do not know and do not believe.When they come to an age of knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ then I believe it is ok for them to be baptized.
That question should bring a lot of discussion/argument.
I don't want to fight about it and do believe that each one should continue to practice what they have been taught without rancor. However, I will state my understanding so that others can look at another view.
Baptism is a physical act with a powerful spiritual side...somewhat tied in with physical circumcision under the Law. Circumcision was commanded by God as part of an outward sign of a covenant with God. It was carried out on the eighth day after birth without regard to the permission or understanding of the child. Yet it was effective for that child becoming a part of God's kingdom on earth and gave all God's promises (and obligations) made in the covenant with Abraham and his descendants till the Israelites were free of Egypt and the "Law of Moses" was given.
NOTE: because the adults freed from Egypt broke God's covenant, circumcision was not practiced in the wilderness until those younger people were ready to enter the promised land of the covenant:
Jos 5:2-8
2 At that time the Lord said to Joshua, "Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again." 3 So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth.
4 Now this is why he did so: All those who came out of Egypt — all the men of military age — died in the desert on the way after leaving Egypt. 5 All the people that came out had been circumcised , but all the people born in the desert during the journey from Egypt had not. 6 The Israelites had moved about in the desert forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land that he had solemnly promised their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. 7 So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised . They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. 8 And after the whole nation had been circumcised , they remained where they were in camp until they were healed.
NIV
This is because circumcision was NOT ONLY an outward sign but included an expected circumcision of the heart as the person grew up. That is, there was a spiritual side from God.
Dt 30:6
6 The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.
NIV
Jer 9:25-26
25 "The days are coming," declares the Lord, "when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh — 26 Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab and all who live in the desert in distant places. For all these nations are really uncircumcised, and even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart."
NIV
Likewise, baptism is not only an outward sign in water washing but when one is baptized into Christ (and His death);because of God's word of promise in baptism, the person is cleansed from their sins and a part of God's kingdom.....WITH the expectation that this salvation will be worked out as they mature, whether baptized as a child or an adult.
I, myself was baptized in water baptism only once. And that was when I was only a few days old. And God has never let go of me nor withheld anything of His love and promises from me. As long as I know of no clear prohibition from God's word for children to be baptized with water and the word, I must believe that all the promises of baptism are effective for children as well as adults.
Fred, the Bible is very clear on this subject. When did Jesus himself get baptized? So if you are to understand that it is very clear that Jesus was about 30 years old when his baptism occurred. It was the signal that started his ministry. Not as a baby like some churches teach.
Baptism is a outward expression of an inward change. I don't know how and baby or small child can understand the concept. That is my take.However I was baptized at 9. It depends completely on what they can understand and believe. I was a child but i KNEW what i was doing and remember it to this day.
i was brought up in one of the most fundamentalist places anyone could imagine..and they did baptized households because Paul spoke of baptizing families. I disagree with the practice unless the entire family understands what is going on.
The scriptures tell us that the child is sanctified by the believing parent. That said, it is perfectly appropriate for (believing) parents to baptize their children.
The scriptures tell us that the child is sanctified by the believing parent. That said, it is perfectly appropriate for (believing) parents to baptize their children.
Wow....you could have a point. I personally waited until my kids could understand but I do hear you. I'm interested in what others think of that.
s_cianci,
You and others so far have made good points on this.
The old covenant was of circumcision and Jesus started the new covenant on holy Baptism.
I keep in mind that He did say to suffer not the children come unto me.
AND the bible does tell us that children were baptized.
Peace and kindness,
Fred
Fred, please give me one verse that even hints that children were Baptized.
Dedicated, yes, like Samuels mother dedicated Samuel. John's Baptism(John the Baptist) was for the Hebrews and was a Baptism of repentance - the baptized admitting they had screwed up and were convicted of their sin.
Baptism today is for a believer to signify his association with Christ after receiving the Holy Spirit.
Baby or child dedication - yes
Baptism -full body submersion under the water(signifying the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus as we come up out of the water) No.
If you want to dedicate by putting a water cross on the baby's forehead with your wet finger - sure, why not?
Peace and kindness,
Linear Mode
