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: "...we regard this issue as not being in the area of essential Christian doctrine." Nolan: You ask "Is infant baptism biblical?" The practice of infant baptism is not mentioned in Scripture, and Christians are of differing opinions as to whether the practice accords with biblical principles. Those holding the "pedo-baptist" view (which endorses the practice) appeal to such texts as Mark 10:14-15 ("Permit the children to come to Me"), Acts 2:39 ("for you and your children"), and Acts 16:31 ("You and your household"). Those who hold the "baptist" view (which rejects the practice) believe that these Scriptures have been misinterpreted by the pedo-baptists, and appeal to the regular connection in Scripture between baptism and repentance with faith (Acts 2:38; 16:31-33; Rom. 6:3-11; I Pet. 3:21; etc.). Please note that the "baptist" view is held by a number of Christian churches other than those known as "Baptist" churches. Walter Martin (past president of the Christian Research Institute) believed that the baptist view is more in keeping with the Scriptures. However, some of the research staff do hold to the pedo-baptist view, and *we regard this issue as not being in the area of essential Christian doctrine*. We encourage Christians to study the scriptures and come to their own conclusion. The following books are representative of the two major views, and are listed here to aid those who wish to pursue the subject in depth. Adams, Jay Edward. The Meaning and Mode of Baptism (Presbyterian and Reformed, 1992). Beasley-Murray, G.R. Baptism in the New Testament (Eerdmans, 1973). A thorough and scholarly treatment of the meaning of baptism, from the baptist perspective. Booth, Robert R. Children of the Promise: The Biblical Case for Infant Baptism (Presbyterian and Reformed, 1995). Murray, John. Christian Baptism (Presbyterian and Reformed, 1980). One of the best defenses of the pedo-baptist view. (http://www.equip.org/search/) |