The other day my 8 year old asked me if she had to be baptised to get into heaven. This question totally took me by surprise. Although I believe in God, I honestly do not know the answer to this question. I became baptised when this child was in my belly. Does that mean she was baptised then too? I feel like this may sound silly, but any answers would be greatly appreciated. Obviously, I am not fully educated on religion, but I do have it and I do believe in it. I jsut want to give her the right answer. I told her I would get back with her but not to worry because she is already a little angel.

Fr_Chuck

There is depending on your denomination within Christianity a disagreement.

All of the older denominations, Catholic and Orthodox and even the older of the break off churches Anglican and Lutheran all teach infant baptism. In that the child "should" be baptised because of orginal sin. ( the sin of Adam we are each born with) This is also based on scritpure where entire households were baptsed.

What I refer as the newer churches ( those of the last 300 years or so) baptist, full gospel and others teach that baptism is only done after the person reaches an age of maturity ( and that is not a firm age either amoung those groups)

And no, she is not baptised unless she was specificly baptised after birth.

The problem is that people take one or two verses and then do not take others. The one ( repent and be baptised) one can not repent of course as an infant. But then it also says unless one is baptised they can not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

We all know that it says unless one accepts Christ as thier savior they will not be saved, but children can't accept or understand.
So almost all beleive (or at least hope) that children will be saved because they have not the opportunity to accept Christ yet. But there is no real bibical base, only mans opinoin of it. In general those churches that baptise infants do so, that the orginal sin would be washed away and making the child dedicated to God, with the child having the right later to accept or reject God.

So from my faith and teachings, you are baptised because Christ so instructed us to be baptised, it is a sign of faith, it is the accepting Christ that saves us.

It sounds like she is at a point where she is wanting salvation and to be saved.

Depressed in MO

Yes, sorry to admit, but we don't go to church that often, except for maybe family holiday gatherings, or things along that nature. She hasn't really been exposed to church that much. I know she went to a catholic church on one event with her friend because she happened to stay the night with her the night before. We are of the Baptist religion. And I grew up pretty much being told that I had to be baptised to get into Heaven. And I must admit, I was very young when I was baptised (I was 16 yrs old when I was pregnant with my questioning daughter) and I don't even think I fully understood the whole process even then. Infact, I know that I didn't. Quite honestly, I was 16, pregnant, not married, I felt as thought I was in "trouble" so I wanted to try and get "right." Anyhow, what should I tell her in the meantime?

Fr_Chuck

Of course I teach and beleive in infant baptism, I look at it two ways, first if as they get older they decide to be "re-baptised" in a church that teaches adult baptism there is no harm, if on the other hand, all of those churches are wrong, well they are baptised.

Of course I understand that as Baptist, it is taught that true salvation comes from accepting Christ as your Savior ( that is the professional of faith) and beleiving in your heart, and it is sealed in baptism. Of course they also teach that if you did not understand it or really mean your professional of faith, then you are not really saved either. (just the outward motion does not give salvatoin)

So my overall opinon, I would tell it is not the physcial getting wet in baptism that saves us ( since it is not) it is the actual belief that Jesus died for our sins and that Jesus rose from the dead to defeat death. So if we trust in him and believe in him as our Savior we will be saved and go to heaven.
And of course Jesus wants us to show this choice to believe in him by being baptised.

Don't have to get into it too far, but for those that are baptised early as an infant, they show the acceptance of thier baptism by what is called confirmation or bascily as they are a older child (12-14) they confirm or accept that baptism.

Depressed in MO

My child asks me all kinds of questions like...how do we know if there really is a god? I can't answer her. I've always wondered that myself. I want to believe there is, I want my children to believe in God. But I need to learn from the beginning how anyone ever learned of him, and I need proof that he is real. What about in other countries where people have other religions and dont' know about god or only believe in their god. Are they going to hell? Not everyone believes in the same God. What do I need to do? Where do I go to find my answers. I often wonder that if I could feel secure in this part of my life, then it would be easier for me to get through my personal problems. Please help

jduke44

FR Chuck, I tried to rate your answer but wouldn't let me.

Depressed in MO, I think Fr Chuck gave you a real good basis for what is taught about baptism. Your 8 yr old may not have the understanding but like Fr said she might be ready to accept if not now real soon.

I know it is real hard to know what to do. You might want to check around and see some of the churches around. It will be a long search but one well worth it. Since she is asking about baptism, I would look for a church that isn't hung up on the fact that you need to be baptised to be saved. As Fr again said, it really is only a sign of your faith but it is an important one. I think it is a sign of obedience that this is what Christ said to do.

You want proof? Just ask Him. He is not the impersonal God that some bring Him to be. He is powerful enough and almighty enough to show you He is real. If you are sincere and want to know the truth, He wil show it. I hope this helps and doesn't confuse you more. If you have any questions just ask. You can also send me a PM if you like.

fredg

Hi, Depressed,
You have received some good answers.
I would like to add that John the Baptist baptized Jesus. He was baptized to show us what we should also do.
Now, comes the differences in beliefs.
The Church of Christ, in which I support, believes that one must be baptized to be saved.....repent all your sins, accept Christ as your Savior and be baptized.
Other denominations, such as some Baptist Churches, don't believe you need to be Baptized. Some others, such as some of the New Christian Church, don't believe it either.
It will eventually be up to the child, and really the only way to decide is to attend the Church of your choice.
I do wish you the best.