Some people view the rite of baptism as some magical ceremony that, in and of itself, assures a person of salvation. But that line of thinking makes about as much sense as a man walking up to a random woman on the street and forcing her to put a ring on her finger and then declaring they are married. There’s much more to baptism than being immersed under water. It symbolizes conversion.
Jesus said that we must be born of water and the Spirit. For that reason, no one should be baptized unless he or she
- knows the truth of God,
- believes it,
- has repented,
- has experienced conversion.
No baby could possibly qualify here. No one has a right to baptize a baby. In fact, to do so completely disregards God’s direct commands regarding baptism
Misguided men in the church, years ago, decreed that unbaptized babies are lost, but this is scripturally untrue. It defames God as an unjust tyrant who would destroy innocent infants who died, simply because unworthy parents failed to have baptism administered. Such a teaching is tragic beyond words. It is bad enough to sprinkle babies and call it baptism. It is infinitely worse to hold to the unscriptural concept that babies are lost eternally because careless parents failed to do their duty.
Even though infants and small children do not qualify for baptism, it does not exclude them from God’s kingdom. Remember Jesus’ words: “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 19:14.
Christ responded positively to mothers who brought their children to Him to be blessed. Now, the practice of child dedication is biblical and in harmony with Jesus’ actions. It affirms the parents’ desire to lead their children to a point where they will, of their own accord, accept Christ and one day be baptized.
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3
-doug batchelor
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