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- printable version VOLUME 25, NUMBER 2
January 12, 2003
WHY DOESN'T
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST BAPTIZE BABIES?
Roger D. Campbell
The New Testament often speaks about water baptism. John the Baptizer taught about
it (Matt. 3:1_11), Jesus taught about it (Mark 16:16), the apostles taught about it (Acts
2:38), and first century evangelists like Philip taught about it (Acts 8:35_39). Baptism
is, indeed, an important topic.
What about baptizing babies? Is it a scriptural practice? In order for it to be a
scriptural practice, it must be authorized by the teaching of Jesus the Christ. He charges
all men to observe the things that He commands (Matt. 28:20). As it is written in
Colossians 3:17, all that we do is to be done in Christ's name, that is, by His authority.
If one were to read the New Testament from beginning to end, from Matthew 1:1 to
Revelation 22:21, he would find neither a Bible command to baptize babies nor a statement
mentioning the baptizing of such little ones. He would never find in the New Testament an
example of baby baptism, nor would he read anything that implies that such a practice is
authorized. Thus, the practice of baptizing infants is unauthorized by the Lord. Such a
practice owes its origin to men, not God (Matt. 21:25). Here is strike number one against
baby baptism: it is unauthorized by the New Testament.
Furthermore, babies are not proper candidates for water baptism. That is strike
number two against the baptizing of infants. Biblically speaking, one that is a proper
candidate for water baptism is one that believes in Jesus and the Gospel (Mark 16:16; Acts
8:37). Infants are unable to possess such faith, thus they cannot be baptized
scripturally.
Biblically speaking, one that is a proper candidate for baptism is also one that is
a sinner. Simon Peter, acting as Jesus'
spokesman, told the Jews assembled on the Day of Pentecost to repent and be baptized (Acts
2:38). The message of Acts 2:38 shows that repentance must proceed baptism, and at the
same time it also shows the purpose of baptism: “for the remission of sins.”
In order for babies to be classified as “sinners,” and thus in need of
repentance and baptism to wash away sins (Acts 22:16), then it must be true that they have
in some way violated God's law. This is so because the Bible defines sin as
“lawlessness” or “transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). Only those
that have broken God's law are “sinners.” Pee_wee children may be
“guilty” of a lot of things, but breaking or transgressing the law of God is not
one of them! Therefore, babies are not sinners, and because they are not sinners, they are
not proper candidates for baptism. “Why doesn't the church of Christ baptize
babies?” That is a good and fair question. One thought that comes to mind is this:
Why should it?
What scriptural reason is there that should cause the Lord's church to baptize
infants? The answer is, “There is none!” Through the ages many religious people
have practiced and attempted to justify baby baptism. Friends, baby baptism is
unscriptural. Such a practice is unauthorized by the Bible, and infants themselves are not
proper candidates to receive water baptism. That is just the way it is. If we are going to
stick with what the Bible says and allow it to guide us, always speaking as the oracles of
God (1 Peter 4:11), then we will leave off the practice of baptizing babies. Not only will
we not practice it ourselves, we will also do our best to help others to see what baby
baptism really is: an invention of men that is both unnecessary and unauthorized.
Family Bulletin Board
Remember those who have
chronic illnesses with prayer, visits, phone calls, and cards. Jamie Farmer, Delsie Bishop, Lola Mae
Hamlett, Fern Boynton, Ella Brumitt, Louise Hunt, Reva Brewer, Savannah Green, and
Elizabeth Fowler.
ELEMENTARY YOUTH GROUP – will meet on
Tuesday, the 14th, from 6:45 -
8:00 pm.
OUR SYMPATHY is extended to OV Brewer in the
recent death of his sister.
THE FLU is running rampant in this area. Pray for those who are ill and try to be careful
not in spread the ‘germs’... remember that the flu can be fatal, especially to
the elderly.
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