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.

Fred,

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?

First I would challenge anyone, that there is no Christian church I know of that would accept the Baptism of Jesus as a proper baptism

It was not done in "jesus name" nor was it done in the "name of the father, son and holy spirit"
It was even referred to as the Baptism of John

Many faiths will not even accept another Christians churches baptism even when done in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

1 Pet 3:21
21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
(KJV)

This could not apply to an infant.

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


OK Fred I have to challenge you once again. That is if you are up to accepting it this time. You have taken that passage out of context, so it is not valid to this discussion.
Second, please give us chapter and verse where Jesus taught the baptism of infants and small 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.

Scripture says we are sanctified by truth (John 17:19) And by faith in Christ Jesus (Acts 26:18)

Take a minute to reason the Greek meaning of what baptize really meant, and why the interpretation by man from the original text was used.

The word "baptizo" should not be confused with the word "bapto". The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 BC. It is the recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the veg should first be dipped (bapto) into boiling water and then baptised (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concerns the immersing of veg in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptising the veg, produces a permanent change.

Scripture clearly example "baptism" as being to immerse, to submerge (meaning vessels sunk) and when we read (John 1:33) we are told by John that God sent him to baptize with water, and that same God is HE that baptizeth with the HOLY SPIRIT.

By water baptism as instructed by God, we have a permanent change in which God does the actual baptiseth of the HOLY SPIRIT. And this change takes place within us is said to quicken us, buries us in Christ, dead to this world of fifth in sin and giving us an answer of a good conscience. Christ can then dwell within .... Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

When you clearly hear Christ say in (Matthew 20:22), are you able to be baptized with the same baptism I was baptized with? Do we not hear HIS voice saying the sufficiency of those words "MY sheep hear MY voice?"

(Col 2:12) says when baptized you are buried with Christ in baptism, and able to raise with HIM through faith by the operation of God.

And in (1 Peter 3:21) whereunto even baptism doth also SAVE us.. KJV

(Matthew 28:20) Jesus said to teach them to observe what I have commanded you.. KJV

Matthew 28:18-19 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Not one verse says little children or babies should be taken by parents to be baptized.

We personally believe that Baptism is an act of a willing, choosing participant.

At any age a child/teen/adult may choose to be baptized. That being said, my faith does not baptize infants or younger children.

homesell,
Please consider this passage.
Act 2: 38. And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39. "For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself."
40. And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!"
41. So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
I do believe that children were included in that 3000 souls baptized that day because Peter was speaking to the adults and their children present.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Fred,
I'm only answering because I asked you the question of showing me a single verse of very young children being baptized.
In Acts 2:38 you ignore that Peter says Repent before he tells them to be Baptized
In verse 39 he says the promise is for even those that are far off "as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself"
In verse 40 Baptism is NOT mentioned but it does say Peter was exhorting them to be saved from this perverse generation - which, if a young child could understandand, it was not the child's generation but his parents (when we are old enough, we realize that ALL generations are wicked and perverse)
In verse 41, it says the ones that were baptized were the ones that had received his word. In all verses you've cited, it took intelligent proactive action - something a baby or young child is incapable of. The children were mentioned because they would have a special advantage by having Godly parents to bring them up in the fear and knowledge of the Lord.
You can believe what you want but the bible actually says that the 3,000 were composed of "those that had received his word" which, while it may have included children, they were children old enough to decide for themselves... 1500 guys did NOT go forward and say, "please baptize me and my little baby that didn't understand a word you said."
Try reading the scripture without any pre-conceived denominational beliefs.
Instead of saying, "how will I interpret this scripture to agree with my beliefs?" ask, "how should I adjust my beliefs to fit with scripture?"

Try reading the scripture without any pre-conceived denominational beliefs.
Instead of saying, "how will I interpret this scripture to agree with my beliefs?" ask, "how should I adjust my beliefs to fit with scripture?"

Jeff, Green Tag

Definitely true, and we each have to be accountable for the soundness of our faith. Scripture does not example contradiction in truth, nor is there inconsistent in what Christ fulfilled each step of HIS way.

Until man realizes that he is to follow Christ steps, and not man who will try to establish their own rules and steps to follow, he remains double minded within the heart of his actions. (Watch in causion that you are not beguiled from the simplicity of Christ Jesus) The revelation of Christ, who is the faithful witness, who examples all dominion and power over us. (Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.)

1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow HIS steps

BECAUSE: 1 Peter 2:25 For you were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

`In Christ

Jeff
The book of acts also tells us of a family who all were baptized plus the passage I mentioned and the fact that Jesus said "suffer the little children to come unto be AND FORBID THEM NOT" convince me that children could and should be baptized to receive the Holy Spirit as soon as possible.
Thanks for your point of view.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Fred,
So a whole family was baptized. What were their ages? My parents and all their children are saved. The whole family has been baptized. I'm the "youngster" of the family (my Dad always introduces me to friends at the retirement park as his little boy) at age 57.
Yes Jesus said let the children come to Him and don't stop them. Jesus did NOT say "bring the babies and young children too young to understand to me." I would never forbid any child that expressed an interest in coming to Jesus and being baptized. You still have it backwards. One doesn't get baptized in order to receive the Holy Spirit. One gets Baptized (in water) to show that they have already received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. No where does the Bible indicate that anyone should ever be baptized that isn't even aware of God, his Word, or Jesus, or what Jesus did for them.
As for your previous citation, bringing it up again after I thoroughly refuted it shows that you are determined to make God's word fit what you believe.
Thanks for not putting in the vacuous I agree or I disagree and leaving it at that and thanks for actually trying to come up with a justification for your belief rather than ignoring the challenge.

What hinders baptism?

Acts 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

What was the answer to that question?( Acts 8:37 thou mayest if )

AND realize it is not just that this answer of what hinders baptism from being done is in scripture, it also clearly states what is done and when. Those who follow man rather then Christ aren't today baptized with anything more then a sprinkle of water. The steps Christ commanded us to follow was as HIS baptism.

Man's traditions make VOID the Word of GOD !

meaning of the word hinder = prevent-forbid-keep from-to deny or refuse one a thing

Jeff.
Thanks for your point of view on this.
You already have mine.
In addition to that I can not believe that a very if a young child who still cannot speak is baptized at the request of loving, believing parents that God would ignore that.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Jeff,
Thanks for your baptism story.
It is beautiful.
Fred

Need Karma,
Thanks much.
I do have the set of scales at the top right of each post.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

I come from an Anabaptist background, meaning that my faith believes that people need to be baptised after a conversion experience - I was baptised at age 16, as an outward sign of an inward change. My Mennonite forbearers were persecuted greatly for this belief, and were even killed and tortured for this belief. This is why the Mennonites left northern Holland and went to Germany, Prussia, Russia, then Canada and Mexico, and Paraguay - to escape persecution.

My husband comes from a Lutheran background, and he thinks that when it talks in the Bible about whole families coming to Jesus and believing in him and being baptised, that means that everyone is covered by the "family" decision. This may be true, but I do not think it precludes an individual making a decision to follow God's way for their life.

However, where I have the problem, because we do attend a Lutheran church, is the wording that makes it sound as though a baptised baby has no other obligation to God and that all of that baby's future sins are covered. It seems to contrived, too formulated to allow for any spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit.

If anyone really wants some perspective on this, read up on the Anabaptist movement. This discussion has been going on for centuries. Only now we don't kill people who believe the way I do.

Only now we don't kill people who believe the way I do.[/QUOTE]

True in the US and other civilized countries, but in much of the world right now, it is dangerous to life and limb to be a Christian.

I also believe that you cannot be truly baptised until you know and accept jesus as your savior, an infant cannot do this.

However a CHILD can. My 5, almost 6 year old is asking to be baptised because she says, and I quote

'i love jesus and I want him in my heart all the time and I want everyone to know!"

I am considering letting her, however I may wait another year, as she still does not completely understand the meaning of 'sin' and I want her to have a complete understanding before we do.

*edit* when I say she doesn't understand sin, I mean she knows that when she does 'bad' it makes jesus sad, but she does not understand WHY, nor does she know or understand all of Gods commandments

I believe you need to be consciously aware of a physically initiated symbolic event to experience it spiritually, and be aware of the meaning and content. It should be a choice, not a condemnation.

Yes seven, this is another reason I am probably going to hold off on her getting baptised to be SURE she understands what the meaning of baptism is.

It IS interesting the different beliefs there are concerning Baptism.
I wonder if the early Church fathers had anything to say about that.
Does anyone know if they did?
Peace and kindness,
Fred

If one looks at tradition, I look at what both the catholic church and the orthodox church do in common, since if they share a practice, then we know it was something done prior to the 800's. Infant baptism is one of them.

Well, from other scriptures and this one, the mode was immersion.

Acts 8:38-39
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
(KJV)

Yes, the original method of baptism, we see this in the Orthodox church, is immersion, they do this to infants.

Hear "The Word" of the Lord God = Christ

Hear the "Word of God" = Christ

When we read this throughtout scripture, I believe we are being told to Hear the Word which is Christ. And Christ, Himself said refer:
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Christ went on to say that man will not pluck them out of HIS hands.. Why do you think Christ said this? Christ told us why.. those that hear HIM follow HIM..

Fr_Chuck,
Thanks much for that answer.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Very interesting discussion. I want to add something to it. I can not quote scripture, because I don't have the memory for it. However, I do remember being baptized at a young age. I believe I was around six or seven. I saw that everyone at my church was doing it, and I think that at the time I understood that if you did not get baptized you were going to hell. I really believe that in order to find Christ it is your personal journey, and I think that with baptism at a young age it takes away from it. At that age I did not understand the meaning behind it, and without that understanding it means nothing. I do believe no matter how many bible studies and church camps you go to or how many choirs you sing in, because I did it all, at that age you really don't understand until you get older.

I have a four year old, and my family pressures me to get her baptized. I will not do it because I want it to be her decision when she gets older, and I think that it will have so much meaning and purpose if she decides that with everything that is going on in the world that she chooses to embrace Christ. I believe that God wants people to make the decision for themselves, and not someone else making the decision for them.

Purdue2010 ,
I firmly believe that The Holy Spirit enters a person's soul at the time of baptism no matter what the age.
God works in mysterious ways.
Most Churches believe that infant baptism should be done. I agree.
Jesus said to have the little children come unto Him and FORBID THEM NOT.
I think that is an order from God the Son.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Listen to man (or) Hear the Word of God

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 8:12 But 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 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done

Acts 8:36-37 And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Acts 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

sndbay
Yes, very good and how many of those who were baptized were children.
I believe that quite a few were.
Can you prove that none were?
Peace and kindness,
Fred

sndbay
Yes, very good and how many of those who were baptized were children.
I believe that quite a few were.
Can you prove that none were?
Peace and kindness,
Fred

The question is how many were babies? I trust we can say not even one..

There are children that can be baptized because they themselves can cenfess faith in Christ Jesus.

I was baptised about a year and a half or so ago, without actually informing my parents first (It was something I had intended to do later but the tank was set up at church and I went for it)
I personally believe that baptism should be done at an age where you can make the conscious choice, and only once you understand and can affirm that you wish to have god in your life.
I believe that god gave us free will for a very important reason, and that the holy spirit only fully enters into our lives once we exercise that free will and openly invite and accept Jesus into our lives. You cannot foist god or the holy spirit or jesus upon someone, as I believe baptism isn't something that you can "do" to someone, like people try to do to babies.

sndbay,
I think that in the many thousands who were baptized that there were babies included.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

sndbay,
I think that in the many thousands who were baptized that there were babies included.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

With all due respect, that is the problem that I have. If you can not say something is certain then maybe it should not be said at all. To say that you THINK that babies were included in a scripture is not evidence to prove your point.

When you start quoting scripture, taking from it what you want, and it obviously not saying what you are saying then you loose your credibility. That is why I believe that so many people turn away from Christainity, because so many people take scripture and try to make it say more than it actually does.

My God is fair, and when you say that He expects babies to be baptized you are essentially telling me that He did not grant every person free will.

Not only do I 'think' infants were baptized, the Church holds that baptism is absolutely necessary for all, including children. It can be shown both in the earlest of the Church's teachings.

Scripture tells us that, “unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5). Its understood to mean that we cannot enter the Kingdom of God without baptism; obviously, this must include children. "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them." (Mark 10:14).

St. Irenaeus was a first century Bishop and martyr. Legend has it that St. Irenaeus was the small child described in Mark 9:35 lifted into the arms of Christ. Furthermore, Catholic tradition has it that Irenaeus was a student of the Apostle St. John. Thus we can conclude that he was an excellent witness of the first generation of Christianity, and heard it from the mouth of Christ.

In St. Irenaeus' Against Heresies (BookII, 22) he holds that baptism of all – including children – is not only allowed, but absolutely necessary for their salvation. “For He came [Christ] to save all through means of Himself— all, I say, who through Him are born again to God — infants, and children, and boys, and youths, and old men. He therefore passed through every age, becoming an infant for infants, thus sanctifying infants; a child for children, thus sanctifying those who are of this age, being at the same time made to them an example of piety, righteousness, and submission; a youth for youths, becoming an example to youths, and thus sanctifying them for the Lord. So likewise He was an old man for old men, that He might be a perfect Master for all, not merely as respects the setting forth of the truth, but also as regards age, sanctifying at the same time the aged also, and becoming an example to them likewise. Then, at last, He came on to death itself, that He might be the first-born from the dead, that in all things He might have the pre-eminence, Colossians 1:18 the Prince of life, Acts 3:15 existing before all, and going before all.”

During the Pelagian controversy St. Augustine in his book On the Soul, Book III, in the fourth century says, "If you wish to be a Catholic, do not believe, nor say, nor teach, that infants who die before baptism can obtain the remission of original sin." (as cited in CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Baptism (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02258b.htm) )

JoeT

Where was it written in the OP that it had to be a Scriptural reference? The Catholic Church is the Church of Jesus Christ which began with Christ and teaches Truth using both Scripture and Apostolic Tradition.

I'll let the 'cult' wisecrack pass for now.

Yes the Catholic Church 'sprinkles' and it 'dunks'. Either way, it's a required sacrament to enter the Kingdom of God – which is, as I've already shown, in the Bible. All of which means what with regard to 'how did the Church view baptism of children"?

Even still, the question asked how the early Church viewed baptism. The early Church is the Catholic Church.

JoeT

P.S. Actually, more often the Latin Rite pours (it's called infusion ).

Purdue2010,
OK... BUT... please take your own advice about scripture references. Can you prove via Scripture that among those thousands baptized there were no infants?
JoeT and Donn, I specifically asked for what the bible said AND what early Church fathers said about baptizing children.
Thanks Joe for your post on that.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Tertullian practiced law before his conversion in 197 A.D. he became a priest and was ordained in 200 A.D. He is known for being an apologist. Like St. Irenaeus he makes a good witness of the faith in the early Church.

Regarding baptism of children Tertullian suggests that not baptizing the young not only endangers the child, but also those responsible for the child, by holding back from Christ. Further, he suggests that children are called to be baptized because of their innocence. He also addresses the practical side of baptism – being that the graces received in baptism remain for life – the young learn by interacting with these graces.

“The Lord does indeed say, Forbid them not to come unto me. Let them come, then, while they are growing up; let them come while they are learning, while they are learning whither to come; let them become Christians when they have become able to know Christ. Why does the innocent period of life hasten to the remission of sins? More caution will be exercised in worldly matters: so that one who is not trusted with earthly substance is trusted with divine! Let them know how to ask for salvation, that you may seem (at least) to have given to him that asks. For no less cause must the unwedded also be deferred— in whom the ground of temptation is prepared, alike in such as never were wedded by means of their maturity, and in the widowed by means of their freedom— until they either marry, or else be more fully strengthened for continence. If any understand the weighty import of baptism, they will fear its reception more than its delay: sound faith is secure of salvation. (Tertullian On Baptism, cht.18) (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0321.htm)

St. Augustine in his debates with Pelagius suggests that children are spiritually imperiled given the stain of original sin which binds the adult sinner to the innocence of youth.

“Whence they are compelled to class baptized infants in the number of believers, and to assent to the authority of the Holy Universal Church, which does not account those unworthy of the name of believers, to whom the righteousness of Christ could be, according to them, of no use except as believers. As, therefore, by the answer of those, through whose agency they are born again, the Spirit of righteousness transfers to them that faith which, of their own will, they could not yet have; so the sinful flesh of those, through whose agency they are born, transfers to them that injury, which they have not yet contracted in their own life. And even as the Spirit of life regenerates them in Christ as believers, so also the body of death had generated them in Adam as sinners. The one generation is carnal, the other Spiritual; the one makes children of the flesh, the other children of the Spirit; the one children of death, the other children of the resurrection; the one the children of the world, the other the children of God; the one children of wrath, the other children of mercy; and thus the one binds them under original sin, the other liberates them from the bond of every sin.” St. Augustine, On Merit and the Forgiveness of Sins, and the Baptism of Infants (Book III) (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/15013.htm)

Consequently, we see practical and spiritual reasons to loosen the bonds of sin from the infant.

JoeT

I did not let the insult against many churches go. A official warning was issued and the post deleted.

I find it funny that the church he is calling the "cult" was the one that formed the bible as we have it today. And it was along with the Orthodox Church the holder of Christian faith for 1500 years before any other demonition came along

The Word was with God and was God from the beginning.
It was Christ made flesh in the Word of God.

The Sopherim were the authorized revisers of the Sacred Text, and once their work being completed, the Massorites were the authorized custodians of it. The Text itself had been fixed before the Massorites were put in charge of it. All this work, under Ezra and Nehemiah, was to set the Text in order after the return from Babylon; and we read of it in Neh. 8:8..

And I causion anyone giving praise to man over God or thinking we should be thankful to someone other then God.

sndbay: I don't understand, how does your comment address Fred's question? For that matter, what matter does it address?

Purdue2010,
OK....BUT.... please take your own advice about scripture references. Can you prove via Scripture that among those thousands baptized there were no infants?
JoeT and Donn, I specifically asked for what the bible said AND what early Church fathers said about baptizing children.
Thanks Joe for your post on that.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Actually, you have already proved my point, and I thank you for that. Because you can not produce one scripture reference that clearly states that infants or babies were baptized. That is the beauty of opinions, they remain that way until enough evidence is produced to prove otherwise.

Let us just agree to disagree. Your topic is very stimulating, and it makes people question. However, the problem is that no one will ever know the right answer until it is time.

Purdue2010,
OK....BUT.... please take your own advice about scripture references. Can you prove via Scripture that among those thousands baptized there were no infants?
JoeT and Donn, I specifically asked for what the bible said AND what early Church fathers said about baptizing children.
Thanks Joe for your post on that.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

And so far you have gotten lots of scripture references that specifically tell you that this is not what the Bible teaches. There seems to be a lot of people who choose to go by some book or another that is Not the Bible in this discussion. Why is that?

There is Scriptural testimony of baptizing of the young. “And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying: If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and abide there." (Acts 16:15) Its unlikely that this woman would have left the children behind, no more likely than a Jew would have left his male children uncircumcised on day 9.

At the feet of Paul and Silas the magistrate cryed, “what must I do”. "And they preached the word of the Lord to him and to all that were in his house. Himself was baptized, and his entire house immediately" (Acts 16:33) It would have been a strange household not to have had children. Further evidence testifies that Paul “baptized the household of Stephanus" (1 Corinthians 1:16), as a Jewish father is obliged to circumcise his 8 day old son.

The relation to circumcision is clear; so what did it mean to the Jew? Circumcision wasn't that unusual a ritual in ancient times, the times of Abraham. Brit milah literally means Covenant of Circumcision. Somewhat to my surprise, I've come to find that this was not uniquely a Jewish custom, it seems a great many in the near east practice some form of circumcision. It seems that certain classes of Egyptians did it, as did some Indian tribes. What is unique is that God gave Abraham the commandment to circumcise (Cf. Gen. xvii, 11 and Lev. Xii,3) The Jewish ritual had both spiritual and hygienic purposes not to mention a unique marking of the male body. To the Jew in Abraham's time, Moses' time and the Jew in Christ's time it's a physical mark of a spiritual connection with God. Brit milah was an obligation both for the father and for the child. Not only was the child to be circumcised on the eighth day of the child's life birth, but failing the father and child suffered a spiritual separation. The child would continue to suffer spiritual excision, (unable to enter the Kingdom of God to come) until as an adult he could be circumcised. As I understand it the ritual that accompanies the brit milah is a solemn occasion with prayers and blessings recited with the child receiving his Hebrew name. I mention all of this to understand that the Jew did not take circumcision lightly; it marked them spiritually and physically. It joined their manhood to God. (Cf. If there is interest Judaism 101: Birth and the First Month of Life (http://www.jewfaq.org/birth.htm#Brit) )

The important points here is that circumcision is a Divine convent applied to ALL Jews. Consequently when Paul writes, “In whom also you are circumcised” we understand that God is doing the circumcision in baptism. And equally important is that this is “a “circumcision not made by hand in despoiling of the body of the flesh: but in the circumcision of Christ . Buried with him in baptism: in whom also you are risen again by the faith of the operation of God who hath raised him up from the dead.“ Clearly Paul is equating baptism with the definitive mark of circumcision; circumcision that is called baptism, obligatory to both father and child. Every Jewish ear in the crowd would have understood. Baptism is spiritual joining of man to God and until accomplished one suffers the penalty of kareit, (separation). For child and adult alike “he hath quickened together with him, forgiving you all offences: (Col. iii, 11-13)

These biblical testimonies were so well understood in Paul's day it was not necessary to mention them, it was culturally understood that circumcision and baptism were common. So, why be so insistent for “Scriptural References”? I'm not under any delusion that such references have given the insight to run out and baptize your children, even though it would be advisable. Especially, when there are utterances made by Christ Himself rationalized away. Plain simple language, “He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath everlasting life: and I will raise him up in the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed: and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me: and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, the same also shall live by me” (John 6:55 sqq.) Why not baptize the children, after all they won't get the measles?

JoeT

Joe,
Thanks much for that additional information.
It IS very interesting.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

And so far you have gotten lots of scripture references that specifically tell you that this is not what the Bible teaches.

Is that right? I've read through the entire thread and have yet to see a passage of Scripture which says whatever you do don't baptize infants.

The real issue here is original sin. Those who reject the notion outright see no reason to baptize infants. Moreover, they take a Pelagian view of the sacraments, according to which they are just symbolic acts with no real spiritual or supernatural power. Those who do believe in original sin do in fact see a reason to baptize infants, since they want the healing of the sacrament to begin as soon as possible. If you think of the sacrament as nothing more than a public proclamation of your current state of mind--belief in Christ as your Savior--and so not a spiritual reality that confers grace, then there really isn't any reason to make a big deal out of it. But if you believe that baptism does confer grace, why on earth would you want to delay it? You wouldn't, of course, because you would want God's grace to fortify the soul of the young.

The important points here is that circumcision is a Divine convent applied to ALL Jews. Consequently when Paul writes, “In whom also you are circumcised” we understand that God is doing the circumcision in baptism. And equally important is that this is “a “circumcision not made by hand in despoiling of the body of the flesh: but in the circumcision of Christ . Buried with him in baptism: in whom also you are risen again by the faith of the operation of God who hath raised him up from the dead.“ Clearly Paul is equating baptism with the definitive mark of circumcision; circumcision that is called baptism, obligatory to both father and child. Every Jewish ear in the crowd would have understood. Baptism is spiritual joining of man to God and until accomplished one suffers the penalty of kareit, (separation). For child and adult alike “he hath quickened together with him, forgiving you all offences: (Col. iii, 11-13)

There is refer: in scripture that we must put on the circumcision of the heart. In (Jere 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench [it], because of the evil of your doings)

This is choice, free will to follow and do the will of God. So when cirsumcision of the heart is compared to baptism, there remains a choice in which is elected to do by the heart and soul of man. Giving your soul to Christ, and living a righteous life to follow HIM (1 Peter 2:24-25 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls)

Chirst is then the hand of power and strength that guides us. If we care to follow HIS footsteps as scripture in the Word of God has instructed, and not man. Look at the example Christ , HIMSELF gave us for baptism. How old was Christ when baptized?
God's plan was never to make any of us puppets being attached by the strings that others control our actions.

God's plan was never to make any of us puppets being attached by the strings that others control our actions.

Right. So what's your point? Do imagine that anyone here has said otherwise?

To the Jew circumcision is “a sign of the covenant between [God] and you… flesh for a perpetual covenant” (Gen xvii, 11 & 13) and to those who weren't circumcised “that soul shall be destroyed out of his people: because he hath broken my covenant." (Gen xvii, 14) This is exactly the same understanding that the Catholic has of baptism. Baptism is a physical sign of water and a spiritual joining of man with God. And, man failing baptism “cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Thus what is given to an 8 day old Jewish baby is also given to an 8 day old Christian child in the New Covenant, a joining of the spirit of God with man, a rebirth of hope and the promises, to all with or without foreskin, a second circumcision, “Make thee knives of stone, and circumcise the second time the children of Israel.” (Josh 5:2), a renewed relationship with God becoming the adopted sons of God. To withhold this from your own child is as foreign to the Catholic psyche as it is to Jew not circumcising his son.

This scriptural reference in Jeremiah illustrates just how joined to God the Jew felt through circumcision. More particularly the cited passage illustrates how this rite was ingrained in psychological makeup of the Jew . “Be circumcised to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your hearts, ye men of Juda, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my indignation come forth like fire, and burn, and there be none that can quench it... ” (Jeremiah I've, 4).

In conclusion, we do have scriptural references for infant baptism.

JoeT

Akoue and JoeT,
You both have made excellent points about the value of baptizing infants.
Thanks much,
Fred

To withhold this from your own child is as foreign to the Catholic psyche as it is to Jew not circumcising his son.

Yet scripture says we wait for the Spirit of hope, and that Spirit of hope is the reveal truth and fullnes of Christ Jesus.. How would baptism of infants permit the infant that liberty to love and to come follow Christ in faith?

Gal 5:5-6 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Use not liberty to the resources we avail ourselves of in attempting or performing anything to the flesh!

Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Liberty to love and be faithful in righteousness, as God created us to be in the beginning.




This scriptural reference in Jeremiah illustrates just how joined to God the Jew felt through circumcision. More particularly the cited passage illustrates how this rite was ingrained in psychological makeup of the Jew . “Be circumcised to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your hearts, ye men of Juda, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my indignation come forth like fire, and burn, and there be none that can quench it...” (Jeremiah iv, 4).

In conclusion, we do have scriptural references for infant baptism.

JoeT

I pray do not be blind to the words that are written, circumcise yourselves to the Lord. This is a liberty to love in free will choice ye men of Judah...

Jer 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench [it], because of the evil of your doings.

1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:


Phl 3:11-12 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

My wife and I both were baptised/christened, and we are going to do the same, absolutely, with our two sons. We are dedicated Christians, and will raise our boys in the church.

" Take me to the river" !

My wife and I both were baptised/christened, and we are going to do the same, absolutely, with our two sons. We are dedicated Christians, and will raise our boys in the church.

" Take me to the river" !

As Christians we should teach our children the gospel of Jesus Christ. And we acknowledge that the Word that is Christ Jesus is profitable to the instruction of righteousness. (Tts 3:8 - 2 Tim 3:16)

The quote of "Take me to the river" would suggest the belief of ONE baptism, (Eph 4:5)One faith, One Lord... And in confessed love to Christ, yes we are submerged in washing the flesh in pure water, and holding in a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:21 - Hebrews 10:22)

1 Peter 1:3-4-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Sndbay, et al:

You obviously object to infant baptism. None of the scripture presented thus far warn against, or forbid outright, infant baptism. Akoue, Arcura, and myself have shown why Catholics hold infant baptism as being important for the a child, or the adult, and why the child’s guardians are obligated to see to his baptism.

Catholics believe that baptism is a decree from Christ that, “unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” For the Catholic it becomes the “the “door” to spiritual life into the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. The form is “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost”. It is a laving of original sin and actual sin; removing sin and its punishment with only the temporal effects of sin remaining. Concupiscence (a propensity or predilection toward sin) is the remnant of remitted original sin. The sacrament has both interior and exterior elements. Water literally washes away sin through the grace of the Holy Spirit all sin. Both original and actual sins are ‘washed’ away; “a remission of sins in hope”. There is a real interior grace conferred and made permanently resident in the child’s (or adult’s) life to be exercised thereby uniting the soul with God. A grace whose efficacy depends on the degree of cooperation freely employed in its derivative born in the Passion of Christ. Thus, the child (or adult) is given a doorway into the Kingdom of God (the Church), a means by which the interior can then receive the other Sacraments, and a means by which the recipient can truly commune in worship.

Of course the most important effect of Baptism is the remission of sins and the conferred grace. Origen (In Gen. xiii) writes: "If you transgress, you write unto yourself the handwriting of sin. But, behold, when you have once approached to the cross of Christ and to the grace of baptism, your handwriting is affixed to the cross and blotted out in the font of baptism.” In this vein we respond to the graces of baptism. Like the heart is the muscle that keeps the body alive so too is the grace of baptism a spiritual muscle meant to bind the soul in Christ, thereby like circumcision for the Jew, joins us to the Mystical Body of Christ. And, like any muscle the more exercise the grace of baptism the stronger the bond becomes. Thus we have the baptized young growing in their spiritual strength over their entire life, irrespective of age.

So, given the reasons Catholic baptizes the infants and the young, being you so obviously object, why withhold such graces from your children? Biblical or not, what error in 2,000 years of Catholic Tradition has been committed?

JoeT

For the last time.
MK1:4-6
LK7:29
RO 6:4-7
EP 4:5
Jesus himself was about 30 years old when he was baptized. So if you were to follow HIS example you would not baptize anyone younger than adulthood. Just because it has been a custom in the Roman Catholic church for centuries does not automatically mean that it is right and that everyone else is wrong.
Lets face the facts here, it appears that most of you are Catholic, and that is your prerogative. But there is no reason you need to think that the rest of us are totally wrong and keep trying to shove your theology down our throats!

For the last time.
MK1:4-6
LK7:29
RO 6:4-7
EP 4:5
Jesus himself was about 30 years old when he was baptized. So if you were to follow HIS example you would not baptize anyone younger than adulthood. Just because it has been a custom in the Roman Catholic church for centuries does not automatically mean that it is right and that everyone else is wrong.
Lets face the facts here, it appears that most of you are Catholic, and that is your prerogative. But there is no reason you need to think that the rest of us are totally wrong and keep trying to shove your theology down our throats!

Oh, but I do disagree on several accounts.

First, because Christ was 30 before baptism doesn't mean that we should be baptized at 30 - I don't know many Protestants that wait till 30. This is a funny joke I just don't happen to get, right? But equally important, what happens if Christ was 29 or 31 or 32, when He was baptized; does that invalidate all baptisms of men who are 30-years of age?

Second, I do hold that the Catholic faith is the ONE, HOLY, Catholic, and APOLSTALIC Church, and thus it's in her we find the fullness of faith, so we see right reasoning in her alone.

Third, The Roman Catholic Church is an apostolic Church, whereby she receives her commission directly from Christ. Thus, we are bond to the truths she teaches through the Magisterium – Catholics aren't allowed to make-up their own truth. Consequently, in my book, insofar as these matters concerned, it makes her automatically correct.

Fourth, your post suggests that you can submit a 'subjective' truth, but I can't post objective truth. Why is that?

Fifth, if ingesting this truth and other similar truths hurts, try not to swallow so hard.


JoeT

Sndbay, et al:

It is a laving of original sin and actual sin; removing sin and its punishment with only the temporal effects of sin remaining.

Why I continue to post is because the custom and doctrine of man, makes void the Word of God as it is written. Doing so goes against God to follow man and their doctrine. The refer of the scripture (1 Peter 3:21) clearly tells us that baptism does not put away the filth of the flesh, and I acknowledge this is truth...And acknowledge the blood of Christ on the cross set us free from sin. That finished, now the Catholic church could open a door to worship and teach the gospel of Christ.

1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: below

So my patience in offering God truth as it is written is to edify in shown love of Christ. We as Christians are to share the love of Christ with others, and never hold back the portion of what Christ has given each in accordance to HIS power and dominion.



Thus, the child (or adult) is given a doorway into the Kingdom of God (the Church), a means by which the interior can then receive the other Sacraments, and a means by which the recipient can truly commune in worship.

As Paul wrote, his teaching was not done by fear refer:
2 Timothy 1:7-11 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.



Of course the most important effect of Baptism is the remission of sins and the conferred grace.

The importance of baptism is that we are then buried with Christ.( Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life)(Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead)



So, given the reasons why Catholic baptizes the infants and the young, being you so obviously object, why withhold such graces from your children?
JoeT

All souls belong to God.. And what we were before the begotten Son of God redeemed us and delivered us is sheep going astray... BUT NOW REJOICE!! because we are retruned unto the Bishop of our souls.

1 Peter 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Why I continue to post is because the custom and doctrine of man, makes void the Word of God as it is written. Doing so goes against God to follow man and their doctrine. The refer of the scripture (1 Peter 3:21) clearly tells us that baptism does not put away the filth of the flesh, and I acknowledge this is truth...And acknowledge the blood of Christ on the cross set us free from sin. That finished, now the Catholic church could open a door to worship and teach the gospel of Christ.

1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: below
21 Whereunto baptism, being of the like form, now saveth you also: not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but, the examination of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

So my patience in offering God truth as it is written is to edify in shown love of Christ. We as Christians are to share the love of Christ with others, and never hold back the portion of what Christ has given each in accordance to HIS power and dominion.

With that same patience I offer to show how the doors to that very same Church have always been open; efforts to build a new portico are fruitless.

Yours is a common misinterpretation in that Peter is discussing the nature of the water; rather it's not the water that cleanses but rather the presence of the Holy Spirit. St. Basil discusses it this way in De Spiritu Sancto:

“It follows that if there is any grace in the water, it is not of the nature of the water, but of the presence of the Spirit. For baptism is not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience towards God. 1 Peter 3:21 So in training us for the life that follows on the resurrection the Lord sets out all the manner of life required by the Gospel, laying down for us the law of gentleness, of endurance of wrong, of freedom from the defilement that comes of the love of pleasure, and from covetousness, to the end that we may of set purpose win beforehand and achieve all that the life to come of its inherent nature possesses. If therefore any one in attempting a definition were to describe the gospel as a forecast of the life that follows on the resurrection, he would not seem to me to go beyond what is meet and right.”

This verse says that soap and water alone do not wash away the filth of sin. Like Noah's salvation, it was God that of choose the 8, not the water. It's God that moves the conscience towards God, it's not man looking to his own conscience to discern holiness.

St. Augustine picks up this theme reminding us that it is "the conscience of him who gives in holiness is what we look for to wash the conscience of the recipient." For when something is given that is of God, it is given in holiness, even by a conscience which is not holy. And certainly it is beyond the power of the recipient to discern whether the said conscience is holy or not holy; but that which is given he can discern with clearness. That which is known to Him who is ever holy is received with perfect safety, whatever be the character of the minister at whose hands it is received. For unless the words which are spoken from Moses' seat were necessarily holy, He that is the Truth would never have said, "Whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do." But if the men who uttered holy words were themselves holy, He would not have said, "Do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not." Matthew 23:2-3 For it is true that in no way do men gather grapes of thorns, because grapes never spring from the root of a thorn; but when the shoot of the vine has entwined itself in a thorn hedge, the fruit which hangs upon it is not therefore looked upon with dread, but the thorn is avoided, while the grape is plucked. Answer to Petilian the Donatist (Augustine) Book III, 8 CHURCH FATHERS: Answer to Petilian the Donatist, Book III (Augustine) (http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/14093.htm)


As Paul wrote his teaching was not done by fear refer:
2 Timothy 1:7-11 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
Nobody on this side of the screen 'fears.' What about yours?


The importance of baptism is that we are then buried with Christ.( Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life)(Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead)

All souls belong to God.. And what we were before the begotten Son of God redeemed us and delivered us is sheep going astray... BUT NOW REJOICE!! because we are retruned unto the Bishop of our souls.

1 Peter 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

The importance of baptism is that “unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

JoeT

sndbay,
We believe that The Holy Spirit begins working with in a person who is baptixed no matter what their age.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

And as I noted before there are few churches today that would accept the baptism of Jesus as valid, since it was not done in the name of the Father,Son and Holy Spirit, and/ or was not done in Jesus name.

Also Johns baptism was not for salvation , could not be since Jesus was not raised yet

Ft_Chuck,
That is interesting.
However, I believe that Jesus had John baptize Him for an imortant reason.
What was it?
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Council of Trent (Sess. VII, De Baptismo) spacifically says that John’s baptism wasn’t salvific.

But, we do know that there was a spiritual reason from Matthew 3, “lo, the heavens were opened to him”. I don’t know the formula John used, but it is known from Mark 1 that John was “preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins”

JoeT

I personally believe that baptism is a very serious thing. You are making a dedication to serve God. I don't believe that a child should be baptized. They do not understand what dedication means. And, in the future if they choose not to serve God they can have the choice without any restrictions. I believe you should wait until they are old enough to understand the meaning behind it and what it intails before just baptizing them. It's a very PERSONAL occasion and it is the CHILD's choice. It's their spirituality.

JoeT,
Thanks for posting that.
Yes I believe that there was a significant spiritual reason what Jesus insisted on John to baptize Him.
I'm not certain what that reason was but being for the forgiveness of sins and Jesus demonstrating how important that was is a part of it; Though Jesus had no sins that needed forgiveness.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Karamel:

I agree that baptism is a serious thing. And you would be right about children if it was John's baptism. In response to the question 'whether Christ alone should have been baptized with the baptism of John?' St. Thomas writes:

“This was the baptism of "penance," for which children were not suited; wherefore they were not baptized therewith. But to bring the nations into the way of salvation was reserved to Christ alone, who is the "expectation of the nations," as we read Genesis 49:10. Indeed, Christ forbade the apostles to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles before His Passion and Resurrection. Much less fitting, therefore, was it for the Gentiles to be baptized by John.” (St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Third Part, Question 38)

In regard to “Whether it was fitting for Christ to be baptized with John's baptism?” St. Thomas writes explains that Jesus couldn't have been; otherwise he would have baptized in the name of the Father, ME, and the Holy Spirit:

“As Augustine says (Super Joan. Tract. Xiii): "After being baptized, the Lord baptized, not with that baptism wherewith He was baptized." Wherefore, since He Himself baptized with His own baptism, it follows that He was not baptized with His own, but with John's baptism."

And too, in regard to the nature of John's baptism we find that it was not of the same characteristics as Christ's baptism. Simply put, John baptized of water, it was an outward laver:

“And this was befitting: first, because John's baptism was peculiar in this, that he baptized, not in the Spirit, but only "in water"; while Christ did not need spiritual baptism, since He was filled with the grace of the Holy Ghost from the beginning of His conception, as we have made clear above (Question 34, Article 1). And this is the reason given by Chrysostom (Hom. De Bapt. Christi). Secondly, as Bede says on Mark 1:9, He was baptized with the baptism of John, that, "by being thus baptized, He might show His approval of John's baptism." Thirdly, as Gregory Nazianzen says (Orat. Xxxix), "by going to John to be baptized by him, He sanctified baptism." … The Jewish baptism prescribed by the law was merely figurative, whereas John's baptism, in a measure, was real, inasmuch as it induced men to refrain from sin; but Christ's baptism is efficacious unto the remission of sin and the conferring of grace. Now Christ needed neither the remission of sin, which was not in Him, nor the bestowal of grace, with which He was filled. Moreover, since He is "the Truth," it was not fitting that He should receive that which was no more than a figure. Consequently it was more fitting that He should receive the intermediate baptism than one of the extremes. (St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Third Part, Question 39)

So, as I see it, John's baptism is much like those who believe that baptism is only a matter of faith; salvation is by faith alone - which can't be. Whereas, Christ's baptism imparts a real inner and spiritual cleansing as well as a forgiveness of sins; and too, a real salvation.

source: SUMMA THEOLOGICA: The baptizing of Christ (Tertia Pars, Q. 39) (http://www.newadvent.org/summa/4039.htm)

JoeT

Joe,
Thanks much again for you post.
I am very interested in what the early Church fathers had to say about that for they mention why they believed as they did.
I am also interested in what others here have to say about it and why they believe as they do.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

But, we do know that there was a spiritual reason from Matthew 3, “lo, the heavens were opened to him”. I don’t know the formula John used, but it is known from Mark 1 that John was “preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins”

JoeT

Is the reason why you question John baptizing, and what you refer to as his formula because you think John himself was the power in baptism?

sndbay,
We believe that The Holy Spirit begins working with in a person who is baptixed no matter what their age.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Fred, As do I believe in the presence of the Holy Spirit. There are many changes from what was and what came to be after Christ dead and was raise. His promise of the Holy Spirit to come as our comforter, is the presence of God with us. I also believe God gives HIS angels charge over our path to help and protect us. (Psa 91:11-12)
My trust and love is always in Christ Jesus who is the shepherd of my soul. Because I find HIM worthy, body and blood, having power and dominion over all. (Eph 1:21 - Jud 1:25)

Reality of no other gods above HIM

~in Christ