Baptism is an important practice in many Christian communities, and questions often arise about whether infants should be baptized. The Bible doesn’t directly mention infant baptism, but many people look to Scripture for guidance. Today, we will discuss what the Bible says about baptism, why some choose to baptize infants, and how others view it as a practice meant for believers who can make their own faith decision.
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What Does The Bible Say About Baptizing Infants
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 verse highlights Jesus’ love and acceptance of children. It emphasizes the importance of allowing children to come to Him without hindrance, as they have a place in God’s kingdom. Baptizing infants can be seen as an extension of this, as it is a way of dedicating them to God’s love and protection from an early age.
By baptizing infants, we recognize their need for spiritual guidance and protection from sin. Just as Jesus blessed the children in Mark 10, baptizing infants acknowledges their value in the eyes of God and their place within the community of believers.
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.’ “
This verse reinforces the concept of baptism as a means of forgiveness and receiving the Holy Spirit. Peter’s message is not limited to adults but extends to their children as well. Baptizing infants allows them to partake in the promise of forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit, just like their adult counterparts.
The phrase “for all whom the Lord our God will call” suggests that baptism is not purely a decision made by individuals but also a response to God’s call. Infants are part of God’s plan, and baptizing them is a way of including them in the redemption offered through Jesus Christ.
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.”
This verse draws a parallel between physical circumcision and baptism. Just as circumcision held significance in the Old Testament covenant, baptism holds significance in the New Testament covenant. Circumcision signified separation from the world and dedication to God’s covenant. Likewise, baptism signifies the believer’s separation from sin and dedication to a new life in Christ.
In the context of baptizing infants, this verse implies that the spiritual act of circumcision is replaced by baptism. Baptizing infants can be seen as a continuation of this spiritual circumcision, symbolizing their inclusion in the covenant community and their identification with Christ’s death and resurrection.
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.”
This verse reflects the idea that there is a spiritual connection between believers and their children. The presence of faith in one or both parents has a sanctifying effect on the children. Baptizing infants acknowledges this spiritual connection and sets them apart as belonging to the community of believers.
By baptizing infants, we affirm their status as holy and emphasize their potential for faith and spiritual growth. It is a way of entrusting them into God’s care and inviting them to participate in the blessings of the Christian community.
Matthew 18:1-5
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.'”
This verse emphasizes the need for childlike faith and humility. Jesus teaches that unless one becomes like a little child, they cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Baptizing infants recognizes their inherent humility and innocence, as well as their potential for a genuine relationship with God.
By baptizing infants, we acknowledge their worth and value in the kingdom of heaven. It serves as a reminder for believers to welcome and nurture the faith of children, just as Jesus welcomed them in His ministry.
Ephesians 6:1-4
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—’so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’ Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of parental guidance and instruction in the lives of children. Baptizing infants aligns with the principle of bringing them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. It symbolizes the parents’ commitment to raising their children in the ways of the Lord.
Baptizing infants also serves as a reminder for parents to fulfill their responsibilities in nurturing their children’s faith. It lays the foundation for a spiritual upbringing and provides a starting point for parents to teach and guide their children in their journey of faith.
Psalm 8:2
“Through the praise of children and infants, you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”
This verse highlights the significance of the praise offered by children and infants. Baptizing infants creates an opportunity for the community of believers to come together and commit to supporting their spiritual growth. It establishes a stronghold against the enemy by fostering a culture of praise and worship from an early age.
By baptizing infants, we affirm their participation in the body of Christ and encourage their role in building up the Kingdom of God. It is a way of welcoming them into the community and nurturing their potential for praising God.
Psalm 22:9-10
“Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.”
This verse reflects the intimate relationship between God and individuals from the moment of their conception. Baptizing infants acknowledges God’s presence and involvement in their lives from birth. It is a way of celebrating and affirming the faithfulness of God throughout all stages of life.
Baptizing infants also serves as a reminder of the responsibility of the faith community to support and nurture their spiritual journey. It encourages believers to recognize the presence of God in the lives of infants and to commit to being a source of guidance and love.
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
This verse reinforces the idea that children are a gift from God. Baptizing infants recognizes their inherent worth and their value as members of both the family and the faith community. It is an expression of gratitude for the blessing of children.
Baptizing infants also emphasizes the responsibility of parents and the faith community to care for and nurture these precious gifts. It is a way of entrusting them into God’s care and seeking His guidance in raising them in the ways of the Lord.
Psalm 139:13-16
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
This verse beautifully portrays the intricate and intentional creation of each individual by God. Baptizing infants celebrates the unique identity and purpose bestowed upon them by their Creator. It is a moment of gratitude and awe for the miracle of life.
Baptizing infants also reminds believers of the divine sovereignty at work in every life. It affirms that each child is known and loved by God from the moment of conception and invites the faith community to join in nurturing their spiritual journey.
Isaiah 44:3
“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.”
This verse speaks of God’s promise to pour out His Spirit and bless the descendants of His people. Baptizing infants symbolizes the pouring out of God’s Spirit upon them and invites His abundant blessings into their lives from an early age.
By baptizing infants, we recognize their potential as recipients of God’s grace and transformation. It serves as a reminder that the work of the Holy Spirit is not limited by age but is available to all who seek His presence.
Acts 16:15
“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.”
This verse recounts the baptism of Lydia and her household. Baptizing infants aligns with the practice of baptizing whole households in response to the faith of the adult believers. It recognizes the spiritual connection between parents and their children and includes the entire family in the covenant community.
Baptizing infants also serves to strengthen the unity and fellowship within the family and the faith community. It signifies the shared commitment to follow Christ and provides a foundation for spiritual growth and support within the household.
Acts 16:31-33
“They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.’ Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 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 and subsequent baptism of the jailer and his household. Baptizing infants can be seen as a continuation of the practice of including entire households in the act of baptism. It affirms the faith of the parents and encompasses all members of the family in God’s redemptive plan.
Baptizing infants also serves as a visible expression of the transformative power of faith within the family. It signifies a shared commitment to follow Jesus and provides an opportunity for the faith community to come alongside the family in supporting and nurturing the spiritual growth of each member.
Deuteronomy 7:9
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”
This verse highlights the faithfulness of God and His commitment to the covenant relationship with His people. Baptizing infants recognizes this faithful love and invites God’s continued presence and blessing upon future generations.
By baptizing infants, we affirm our trust in God’s faithfulness and acknowledge our role in passing down the faith to the next generation. It symbolizes our commitment to teach and model a life of obedience to God’s commandments, ensuring the continuity of the covenant relationship.
Genesis 17:7
“I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.”
This verse speaks of God’s promise to establish an everlasting covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Baptizing infants reflects the understanding that the promise of God’s covenant extends to the children of believers, securing their place as partakers in God’s redemptive plan.
Baptizing infants also serves as a reminder that faith is not solely an individual experience but a communal one. It recognizes the role of the faith community in nurturing and guiding the spiritual development of children and ensuring the continuation of the covenant relationship through future generations.
Romans 6:3-4
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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.”
This verse emphasizes the transformative nature of baptism, symbolizing the believer’s identification with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptizing infants represents their inclusion in this new life, their participation in Christ’s victory over sin and death.
By baptizing infants, we affirm their union with Christ and the power of His resurrection at work in their lives. It serves as a reminder of the hope and newness of life offered through faith in Jesus and encourages parents and the faith community to nurture this spiritual reality in the lives of infants.
Romans 5:18-19
“Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”
This verse contrasts the consequences of Adam’s disobedience with the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Baptizing infants reflects the belief that through Jesus’ righteous act, all people have the opportunity for justification and life, including infants.
Baptizing infants also affirms the need for redemption and the universal nature of the Gospel message. It highlights the significance of God’s grace in reaching all people, regardless of age, and invites the faith community to participate in proclaiming this message of reconciliation.
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.'”
This verse speaks of the necessity of being born again, both through water and the Spirit, to enter the kingdom of God. Baptizing infants aligns with the understanding that baptism is a spiritual rebirth, a means by which individuals are brought into newness of life through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Baptizing infants also reminds us that God’s grace is not limited by age or understanding. It emphasizes the role of the faith community in nurturing the spiritual growth of children and cultivating an environment where they can experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
John 11:52
“And not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.”
This verse speaks of Jesus’ redemptive work extending beyond a specific nation or people. Baptizing infants reflects the belief that God’s salvation is available to all, including the children of believers, and serves to bring them into the unity of the body of Christ.
Baptizing infants also emphasizes the importance of the faith community in nurturing the spiritual growth and unity of believers, both young and old. It symbolizes the shared commitment to build up the body of Christ and create an inclusive environment where all can experience God’s love and grace.
Psalm 22:27
“All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him.”
This verse speaks of the universal reach of God’s salvation, encompassing all nations and families. Baptizing infants aligns with the understanding that God’s redemptive work is not limited by age or cultural boundaries but extends to all who turn to Him.
Baptizing infants also serves as a reminder of the global and intergenerational nature of the Church. It invites believers to strive for unity and actively participate in fulfilling God’s plan of salvation for all families and nations.
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.'”
This verse emphasizes the welcome and significance of children in the kingdom of God. Baptizing infants reflects the belief that they have a place in God’s kingdom and proclaims their inherent value and belonging in the community of believers.
Baptizing infants also serves as a reminder to approach God’s kingdom with childlike faith and humility. It calls believers to learn from the innocence and trust exhibited by children and to embrace God’s love and grace with open hearts, just as infants do.
Psalm 34:11
“Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”
This verse highlights the role of parents and the faith community in teaching children about the fear of the Lord. Baptizing infants affirms the responsibility to guide and instruct children in their journey of faith, starting from an early age.
Baptizing infants also serves as a reminder to create an environment where children can learn and grow in their understanding of God’s love and truth. It calls believers to actively participate in the spiritual education and nurturing of children, ensuring a solid foundation for their future walk with God.
Psalm 103:17-18
“But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.”
This verse speaks of the unending love and righteousness of the Lord for those who fear Him. Baptizing infants affirms the belief that God’s love extends to the children and future generations of those who keep His covenant.
Baptizing infants also serves as a reminder to uphold God’s precepts and live in obedience to His commands, not only for our sake but also for the sake of the generations to come. It calls believers to actively pass down the faith and nurture the spiritual growth of their descendants.