The Bible speaks about the importance of faith and baptism. Today, we’ll examine what it says about baptizing babies.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Baptism Of The Holy Spirit
What Does The Bible Say About Baptism Of Babies
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
This verse highlights the Great Commission given by Jesus to his disciples, which includes the instruction to baptize believers as a sign of their commitment to follow Him. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith, symbolizing the believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
While this verse does not specifically address the baptism of babies, it emphasizes the importance of baptism as a means of discipleship and obedience to Christ’s command. The decision to baptize infants is a matter of theological interpretation and personal conviction within different Christian traditions.
Acts 2:38-39
“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.””
In this verse, Peter is speaking to a crowd after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. He emphasizes the need for repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins. He also mentions that the promise of salvation and the Holy Spirit is not only for the people listening, but also for their children and all who are far off.
Some interpret “for you and your children” as a reference to the inclusion of children in the covenant community of believers and their eligibility for baptism. However, others argue that this verse is not specifically referring to the baptism of infants but rather highlighting the inclusive nature of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 7:14
“For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of mixed marriages, where one spouse is a believer and the other is not. Paul affirms that the presence of a believing spouse sanctifies the unbelieving spouse and their children, making them holy. This can be understood as a spiritual positioning where the family is set apart for God’s purposes.
While this verse does not directly speak about infant baptism, it does acknowledge the spiritual impact of a believing parent on their children. It underscores the significance of a Christian household and may be considered as a basis for the baptism of infants in some Christian traditions.
Acts 16:33
“At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.”
This verse recounts the conversion of the Philippian jailer and his entire household. After Paul and Silas shared the Gospel with them, they were baptized. The inclusion of the jailer’s household in the act of baptism suggests that it extended beyond the individual and encompassed the entire family.
While the Bible does not explicitly state whether infants were present in the jailer’s household or whether they were baptized, this passage is often used by those who support infant baptism as evidence of the practice in the early Church.
Colossians 2:11-12
“In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.”
In these verses, Paul draws a parallel between circumcision in the Old Testament and baptism in the New Testament. He explains that through baptism, believers are spiritually circumcised, symbolizing their identification with Christ’s death and resurrection, and the removal of their old sinful nature.
While this passage does not specifically address the baptism of infants, it highlights the transformative nature of baptism and its association with spiritual rebirth. It serves as a reminder of the significance of baptism in the life of a believer.
Mark 10:13-16
“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”
This passage demonstrates Jesus’ love and concern for children. When people were bringing little children to Jesus for His blessing, the disciples initially tried to prevent them. However, Jesus rebuked the disciples and welcomed the children, emphasizing the importance of childlike faith.
While this passage does not directly address the issue of infant baptism, it highlights the significance of children in God’s kingdom and the importance of nurturing their faith. It can be interpreted as a reminder to embrace childlike faith and to prioritize the spiritual well-being of children.
Acts 10:47-48
“Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.”
In this passage, Peter witnesses the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the household of Cornelius, a Gentile. Recognizing that they had received the Holy Spirit, just as the Jewish believers had, Peter orders their baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.
While this verse does not explicitly mention the baptism of infants, it affirms the inclusion of Gentiles in the new covenant community and emphasizes the importance of baptism as a sign of their faith and reception of the Holy Spirit. It can be seen as an example of God’s inclusive salvation and may inform discussions about whether infants can be baptized.
Acts 22:16
“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.”
This verse is part of the account of Paul’s conversion when Ananias came to him. Ananias instructed Paul to get up, be baptized, and wash away his sins, calling on the name of Jesus.
While this verse does not specifically address infant baptism, it emphasizes the importance of baptism as a response to faith and as a means of receiving forgiveness and cleansing from sins. It underscores the transformative nature of baptism in the life of a believer.
Ephesians 4:5
“one Lord, one faith, one baptism;”
In this verse, Paul highlights the unity and oneness of believers in Christ. He mentions one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, emphasizing the shared experience of baptism that unites believers in the body of Christ.
While this verse does not delve into the specifics of who should be baptized, it underscores the spiritual significance of baptism as a common element of the Christian faith. It can be seen as a reminder that all believers, regardless of age or background, share in the sacramental act of baptism.
Romans 6:4
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
In this verse, Paul describes the symbolism of baptism as a burial with Christ and a resurrection to a new life. He explains that through baptism, believers participate in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, enabling them to live a transformed life.
While this verse does not specifically address infant baptism, it highlights the spiritual significance of baptism as a powerful symbol of dying to one’s old self and being raised to a new life in Christ. It emphasizes the transformative and life-giving nature of this sacrament.
Galatians 3:26-27
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
In these verses, Paul explains that through faith in Christ, believers become children of God and are baptized into Him. He uses the imagery of clothing oneself with Christ, emphasizing the intimate union believers have with Christ through baptism.
While this verse does not directly address infant baptism, it emphasizes the familial relationship believers have with God and the incorporation of believers into the body of Christ through baptism. It serves as a reminder of the identity and new position believers have in Christ.
Titus 3:5
“he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
In this verse, Paul highlights the basis of salvation, which is not our own righteousness but God’s mercy. He emphasizes that God saves us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
While this verse does not explicitly mention baptism or address the baptism of infants, it provides further insight into the spiritual significance of baptism as a symbolic washing of rebirth and renewal. It underscores the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers through baptism.
Acts 8:36-38
“As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”
In this passage, Philip encounters the Ethiopian eunuch who was reading the book of Isaiah. After Philip explains the Gospel to him, the eunuch asks to be baptized when they come across some water. Philip grants his request, and they both go down into the water for the baptism.
Although this verse does not directly address the baptism of infants, it showcases the immediate response of the eunuch to the message of Christ and his desire to be baptized as a result. It emphasizes the individual’s personal decision to be baptized as an expression of faith.
1 Peter 3:21
“and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”
In this verse, Peter is discussing baptism and its symbolism. He explains that the water of baptism is not merely an act of physical cleansing but represents a spiritual reality. He clarifies that baptism saves believers through the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is connected to an inner pledge of a clear conscience toward God.
While this verse does not explicitly mention the baptism of infants, it highlights the symbolic nature of baptism and its association with salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the connection between baptism and the believer’s dedication to a transformed life empowered by Christ’s resurrection.
Luke 18:15-17
“People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.””
In this passage, people were bringing babies to Jesus for Him to bless them. The disciples tried to prevent this, but Jesus corrected them, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
This verse does not directly address the baptism of infants, but it reveals Jesus’ love and value for children. It serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing the faith of children and their place in the kingdom of God.
John 3:5
“Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”
When Nicodemus came to Jesus at night, Jesus told him that no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born again, born of water and the Spirit.
Although this verse does not explicitly address the baptism of infants, it highlights the necessity of being born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. It underscores the spiritual rebirth and transformation that takes place through baptism and the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.
Acts 9:18
“Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,”
This verse describes the conversion of Saul (who later became the apostle Paul) after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus. Once he regained his sight after being blinded, Saul got up and was baptized.
This verse does not specifically address the baptism of infants, but it emphasizes the significance of baptism as a response to faith and a visible expression of a believer’s commitment to follow Jesus. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of baptism in the life of a believer.
1 Corinthians 15:29
“Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?”
In this verse, Paul discusses the practice of baptism for the dead, questioning its purpose in light of the denial of the resurrection. He poses rhetorical questions about the significance of such baptism if there is no future hope of resurrection.
While this verse does not directly address infant baptism, it serves as a reminder of the importance of baptism as a response to faith and a testimony of one’s belief in the resurrection. It emphasizes that baptism holds meaning and purpose within the context of Christian belief.
Acts 16:14-15
“One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.”
In this passage, Lydia, a worshiper of God, responded to Paul’s message, and the Lord opened her heart. As a result, she and the members of her household were baptized.
While this verse does not explicitly mention infant baptism, it highlights the inclusion of households in the act of baptism. It can be seen as an example of the early Church baptizing entire households, including infants if present, upon the faith and decision of the head of the household.
1 Corinthians 1:16
“(Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.)”
In this verse, Paul mentions that he baptized the household of Stephanas. Although he does not recall if he baptized anyone else, this statement reveals his involvement in baptizing households.
While this verse does not specifically address infant baptism, it contributes to the discussion by highlighting the practice of baptizing entire households as unitary entities. It shows that Paul’s ministry encompassed not only individuals but also their families.
Acts 18:8
“Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.”
In this verse, Crispus, the leader of a synagogue, and his entire household believed in the Lord, and many Corinthians who heard Paul also believed and were baptized.
Although this verse does not explicitly mention infant baptism, it demonstrates the inclusion of households in the act of baptism. It suggests that entire families were embraced within the community of believers and invited to participate in baptism.
Acts 22:16
“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.”
In this verse, Ananias instructs Paul to get up, be baptized, and wash away his sins by calling on the name of the Lord.
While this verse does not address the baptism of infants, it emphasizes the significance of baptism as a response to faith and the forgiveness of sins. It underscores the transformative power of baptism and its connection to the confession of faith in Jesus Christ.