|
Is it okay to baptize infants?
Tip-toeing
through this topic can be difficult because the arguments for and
against the it can become quite theologically deep. There are
different opinions held by different Christian denominations, each
claiming to have the clear teaching of scripture. But, basically
there are only two responses to whether or not it is
alright to baptize infants: Yes and No. Let's briefly look
at both.
Baptizing infants has been practiced for a very long
time in Christianity. Within the scope of this practice are
denominations that insist that the baptism itself brings the infant into
a salvation relationship with God. To this, CARM strongly
disagrees. Baptism does not save anyone. Baptism is a sign,
a covenant sign, of identification with the Christian gospel. On
the other hand, there are denominations (usually Presbyterian) that
baptize infants not for the purpose of saving them, but for covenantal
relationship. The logic used by these groups is basically as
follows: 1) infants were circumcised and entered into covenant
relationship with God in the Old Testament (Gen. 12-17). 2) Circumcision did not
save the child. 3) The Abrahamic covenant under which the
infants were circumcised is still valid since the Abrahamic Covenant is
called the gospel in Gal.
3:8. 4) The Abrahamic covenant, which is still valid and which
is the gospel, included infants. Therefore, infants should still
be included in the same covenant. 5) we see evidence of whole
households being baptized in Acts (Acts 16:15). Therefore, at
least some of these households had to include infants and a good Jewish
convert to Christianity would not exclude his infant children from
covenantal relationship with God.
In contradiction to this, those who are opposed to
infant baptism usually mention the fact that there are no explicit
instances of infants being baptized in the New Testament. If
anything, we are told to believe and be baptized (Acts 8:13;
18:8). They ask how can an
infant believe so he/she can then be baptized? These questions are
a worthy concern.
Both sides have good arguments for their position,
answering the other's objections, and presenting their case.
Nevertheless, one's presuppositions will govern how he/she sees the
argument. But, one thing needs mentioning. Since there are
good arguments on both sides and since there are good and godly
Christians on both sides of the argument, we need to be gracious to
those who differ in this issue. Notice what it says in Rom. 14:1-5,
"Now accept the one who is weak
in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his
opinions. 2 One man has faith that he may eat all things,
but he who is weak eats vegetables only. 3 Let not him
who eats regard with contempt him who does not eat, and let not him
who does not eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him.
4 Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own
master he stands or falls; and stand he will, for the Lord is able
to make him stand. 5 One man regards one day above
another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully
convinced in his own mind."
Notice how
Paul allows us to have differences of opinions on various issues.
His goal was to have unity in the body of Christ and at the same time to
allow for differences on debatable issues.
Finally, the position of CARM is that it is okay to
baptize infants if the parents of the infant are God-fearing, Bible
believing Christians who honestly see infant baptism as a covenantally
faithful act -- not that it saves the child. On the other hand, if
the parents do not believe it is proper to baptize their child, then it
is not okay for them to do it.
Return to
Questions about Doctrine
|