Bible Question:
Hello Doc, Is there Biblical reference to 12 and 13 for Bar Mitzvah? My question is in regard to Baptism. Christ was baptized at the age of 27, but many Christian children are getting baptized at 8, 9, or 10. Would 12 or 13 be a good mark to say that a child who has not reached this age would not be baptized? God Bless, SBoone |
Bible Answer: Presbyterians view Christian baptism like the OT circumcision. It is a sign of the covenant. (Gen 17:10 "This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised.) All the males eight days old and older in Abraham's household were circumsized, not just older kids and adults. (Gen 17:12 "And every male among you who is eight days old shall be circumcised throughout your generations, a servant who is born in the house or who is bought with money from any foreigner, who is not of your descendants.) In the new Testament the same pattern is followed. (Acts 2:39 "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.") If the head of the household got saved his whole household was baptised. This would include infants. Acts 16:31 They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." Acts 16:32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house. Acts 16:33 And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. |