Why Infant Baptism is Wrong
Baptism is a significant rite in Christianity, symbolizing a believer's faith and commitment to Jesus Christ. While the practice of infant baptism has been prevalent in many Christian denominations, there is a growing argument against it, asserting that it contradicts the essence of baptism as a personal declaration of faith. This blog explores the reasons why infant baptism is considered wrong by some Christians and why believers should carefully evaluate this practice.
Biblical Basis for Believer’s Baptism
One of the primary arguments against infant baptism is the lack of explicit biblical support for the practice. The New Testament consistently presents baptism as an act of faith and repentance. For instance, in Acts 2:38, Peter says, “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.” This verse highlights the necessity of repentance, which infants are incapable of comprehending or expressing.
Similarly, in Mark 16:16, Jesus states, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Here, belief precedes baptism, implying that baptism should be a conscious decision made by an individual who understands and accepts the faith.
In every instance of baptism in the New Testament, it is always preceded by faith and repentance. For example, in Acts 8:12, it says, “But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” This pattern suggests that baptism is intended for those who can consciously choose to follow Christ, not for infants.
The Importance of Personal Faith
Baptism is more than a ritual; it is a public declaration of an individual's faith and commitment to follow Jesus Christ. This aspect of baptism is inherently personal and requires the individual to understand the significance of their decision. Infant baptism, however, circumvents this personal declaration, as infants cannot comprehend or articulate their faith.
In Romans 10:9-10, Paul emphasizes the necessity of a personal confession of faith: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” This passage underscores that faith and salvation are matters of the heart and mind, further supporting the idea that baptism should follow a conscious decision to believe.
The Role of Repentance
Repentance is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith and is closely linked with baptism. John the Baptist’s ministry emphasized repentance and baptism as acts of turning away from sin and toward God. In Matthew 3:2, John declares, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This call to repentance was directed at individuals capable of understanding their sinful nature and making a deliberate choice to turn away from it.
Infants, however, do not possess the cognitive ability to recognize sin or repent. Baptizing an infant, therefore, bypasses the essential step of repentance, which is crucial for a genuine conversion experience. Without repentance, baptism loses its full meaning and purpose.
Acts 3:19 further emphasizes this: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” This call to repentance is directed at individuals who can understand and respond to it. Infant baptism overlooks this critical step, rendering the act incomplete.
Historical Context and Tradition
The practice of infant baptism can be traced back to the early centuries of Christianity, largely influenced by the idea of original sin and the belief that baptism washes away this inherent sin. However, many theologians argue that this interpretation deviates from the original intent and practice of baptism as described in the New Testament.
The early church fathers, such as Tertullian, expressed reservations about infant baptism. Tertullian, writing in the second century, argued that baptism should be postponed until individuals can consciously commit to the faith. He stated, “The delay of baptism is preferable; principally, however, in the case of little children. For why is it necessary… that the sponsors likewise should be thrust into danger? For they may either fail of their promises by death, or they may be deceived by a child’s proving of a wicked disposition.”
Other church fathers, like Gregory of Nazianzus, also advocated for delaying baptism until the individual could understand and make a conscious decision. Gregory wrote, “Do you have an infant child? Allow sin to reach its peak. Let him become a Christian only when he can know Christ. Why does this innocent age hasten to the remission of sins?”
Accountability and Spiritual Growth
Another reason why infant baptism is considered problematic is that it can create a false sense of security. Individuals baptized as infants might assume they are automatically part of the Christian faith without a personal understanding or commitment. This can hinder spiritual growth and accountability, as the person may never experience a true conversion or develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Baptism, when performed as a result of a personal decision, encourages individuals to take responsibility for their faith journey. It marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to grow in Christ, study the Scriptures, and live according to Christian principles. Infant baptism, on the other hand, does not foster this sense of accountability and personal responsibility.
Personal accountability is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith. Philippians 2:12-13 advises believers to “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” This process of working out one’s salvation is an ongoing journey that requires active participation and personal responsibility, which cannot be assumed by an infant.
Parental Responsibility and Dedication
Some proponents of infant baptism argue that it represents a dedication of the child to God and an intention by the parents to raise the child in the Christian faith. While this intention is commendable, it can be effectively achieved through a dedication ceremony rather than baptism. Dedication allows parents to commit their child to God’s care and guidance without prematurely initiating them into a covenant they cannot understand.
A dedication ceremony focuses on the parents' responsibility to teach and model the Christian faith for their child. As the child grows and reaches an age of understanding, they can then make a personal decision to accept Christ and be baptized. This approach respects the child’s ability to choose their faith and ensures that baptism is a meaningful and informed act.
Theological Implications
Theologically, infant baptism raises questions about the nature of faith, salvation, and the church. If baptism is viewed as a necessary step for salvation, infant baptism might suggest that salvation can be imparted without personal faith. This contradicts the New Testament teachings that emphasize faith as a prerequisite for salvation.
Furthermore, the practice of infant baptism can blur the lines between church membership and personal belief. The church is intended to be a community of believers who have made a conscious decision to follow Christ. By baptizing infants, the church may inadvertently include individuals who have not yet made a personal commitment to the faith.
Conclusion
While infant baptism is a longstanding tradition in many Christian denominations, there are compelling reasons to reconsider its validity. The biblical basis for baptism emphasizes personal faith, repentance, and conscious commitment, all of which infants are incapable of expressing. Additionally, the practice can create a false sense of security and hinder spiritual growth.
Believers should carefully examine the Scriptures and consider the importance of personal faith and repentance in the context of baptism. By doing so, they can ensure that baptism remains a meaningful and transformative rite that reflects a genuine commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Opting for believer's baptism respects the individual's ability to choose their faith and ensures that the act of baptism is a true reflection of a personal and informed decision to embrace the Christian faith.
