Bible Question: Is infant baptism Biblical? I was baptized as an infant and I am seeking to become rebaptized this summer at a Conservative Mennonite Church adhering to Anabaptist roots. Since I was baptized as an infant and had no clue whatsoever what was going on when it happened, should I seek to be rebaptized? |
Bible Answer: Dear Nolan Keck, You should seek to be baptized. There is no 're-baptism' if there is only one (water) baptism, as clearly stated in Ephesians 4:5. As you well, know, I am not a Conservative Mennonite, but their Anabaptist roots come from a restoration of truth to the church. Infant baptism was simply a method of insuring membership in a denomination of the church, a convenience. They believed that the church was salvation, not personal faith in Christ. Your faith is your faith, not your parent's faith any longer. Infant baptism is a 'christening' or naming ceremony, a prayer offered in hope that the child will grow up into Christ Jesus. Nothing more, and nothing less. I do not 'condemn' this practice, but do put it into Biblical perspective. I pray that you will make a holy decision based on the Spirit that indwells you, and the Bible that tells you, not on the traditions of your church. In Jesus' name, charis |