PART I - Baptism - What Scripture tells us about the ‘why’ and the ‘how THIS PAGE - The When Part I - Introduction Why Churches Baptize Infants 1.) Remission of Original Sin
Original Sin?
Circumcision of The Flesh Meant Nothing Without Circumcision of the Heart
As far back as the time of Moses the Bible speaks of two types of circumcision 2.) A Sign Of The Abrahamic Covenant
The Covenants
Why exactly do we need any sign of the Abrahamic covenant? A Dedication Ceremony?
Calling this ceremony a 'baptism' is running several very large risks Part II - Other Arguments
Colossians 2:11-12 The New Testament Says Households were Baptized
But does that means at small children or babies were included? Faith Is A Requirement For Salvation. Can Infants Have Faith?
Some think it is possible. Four verses put forth to support this beliefs do no such thing Re-Baptism -Two Relevant Questions
Part I - Why Churches Baptize Infants - Introduction
Infant baptism or 'christening' is practiced by the Catholic Church, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Reformed Churches etc. It tends to be a deeply emotional issue concerning as it does the most vulnerable members of our family.
Infant baptism is contrasted with what is called a "believer's baptism" - the practice of baptizing only those who confess faith in Jesus which obviously excludes the very young. The fact that the Bible doesn't specifically say anything for or against infant baptism is actually used by both those for and against infant baptism. Those who argue against the practice ask why we baptize babies when it is not specifically commanded in Scripture by either word or example. Proponents believe that the New Testament silence on the topic is actually an argument in favor of the practice inasmuch as because the NT authors took for granted that babies would be baptized, it was unnecessary to say anything about it.
The two primary reasons for the practice are remission of original sin and as as sign of the Abrahamic covenant
1.) Remission of Original Sin
Infant baptism is often rooted in the idea that babies are born with the stain of Original Sin and have to be baptized to free them from this 'sinful nature'.
The Vatican says that children, born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin "have need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness" and "The Church and the parents would deny a child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God were they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth. [01] Quoting Acts 2:38 and 22:16 Catholic.com says the principal effects of baptism are: "The remission of all sin, original and actual." [02] See Original Sin
I have to wonder how many believers in Original Sin have given any thought to the fact that sin is not a virus or a genetic flaw that can be transmitted from person to person. (if sin is transferable, there is absolutely no reason why virtue, goodness, and righteousness cannot also be physically transmitted). Much to the contrary, as John wrote ”... sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John: 3:4). In other words, without someone actually breaking the law, sin does not even exist. This doctrine makes a hash of the justice of God which is the cornerstone of our faith. Luckily the Bible knows nothing of this absurdity, which came solely from man's skewed ideas. Along these lines the Lutherans who also believe in Original sin (hence the reference to Romans 3:23) claim that (Emphasis Added) According to the Bible, all people-including infants-are sinful and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). King David confesses, "I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me" (Ps. 51:5). Like adults, infants die - sure proof that they too are under the curse of sin and death. According to the Bible, Baptism (somewhat like Old Testament circumcision, administered to 8-day-old-babies-see Col. 2:11-12) is God's gracious way of washing away our sins - even the sins of infants - without any help or cooperation on our part. It is a wonderful gift of a loving and gracious God. [03]
King David: The argument is that King David's claim to have been born "in sin" must have been referring to Adam's sin which he inherited. Thus infants are also "under the curse of sin and death". However, the words "in iniquity" and "in sin" do not point to original sin - that is if one is willing to take the time to carefully study them. See Details Besides which if physical circumcision washed away sins both original and actual why did the Scriptures state over and over again that... Physical Circumcision Was Not Enough
Moses commanded the Israelites to circumcise their hearts So circumcise your heart, and stiffen your neck no longer. (Deuteronomy 10:16 NASB)
As did Jeremiah Circumcise yourselves to the Lord and remove the foreskins of your heart, Men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, Or else My wrath will go forth like fire And burn with none to quench it, Because of the evil of your deeds." (Jeremiah 4:4 NASB)
As Paul later wrote, a Jew is one whose heart is circumcised, For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God. (Romans 2:28-29 NASB)
And no circumcision did not save. A person could be physically circumcised and still indulge in evil deeds and be punished. Unless a person's heart was circumcised, they were a long way from escaping the Father's retribution. Behold, the days are coming," declares the Lord , "that I will punish all who are circumcised and yet uncircumcised-- (Jeremiah 9:25 NASB) when you brought in foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in My sanctuary to profane it, even My house, when you offered My food, the fat and the blood; for they made My covenant void--this in addition to all your abominations. (Ezekiel 44:7 NASB)
Note however that there was a short crossover period. In the very early days of Christianity most Jewish men including Paul himself (Philippians 3:5) had already been circumcised before becoming Christians,. However, although there is little doubt that he was already baptized, Timothy was circumcised by Paul (Acts 16:1-3). Paul sought to win the Jews to Christ by identifying with them. He did not adapt the Gospel message to suit the recipients but, within the boundaries of good conscience, complied with traditional rites and customs. How he lived and behaved ensured he had their ear and access to the synagogues where he often evangelized. However, he made it very clear that he himself was not under the law. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; (1 Corinthians 9:20 NASB)
2.) A Sign Of The Abrahamic Covenant
In answer to the question of whether infants are also to be baptized? The Heidelblog says
Yes, for since they belong to the covenant and people of God as well as their parents, and since redemption from sin through the blood of Christ, and the Holy Spirit who works faith, are promised to them no less than to their parents, they are also by baptism, as the sign of the covenant, to be ingrafted into the Christian Church, and distinguished from the children of unbelievers, as was done in the Old Testament by circumcision, in place of which in the New Testament Baptism is instituted... We believe our children ought to be baptized and sealed with the sign of the covenant, as little children were circumcised in Israel on the basis of the same promises made to our children. [04]
I am afraid that the above has completely lost me inasmuch as I do not understand the reason for anyone to be sealed with the sign of the Abrahamic covenant. The Covenants
The word covenant means a solemn and binding formal pledge between two or more parties to do or not do something specified. In days gone by treaties were drawn up among equals that often stipulated they would honor each other's boundaries, support each other against enemies, maintain trade relations, etc. However, a somewhat common treaty known as a Suzerain/Vassal Covenant involved an alliance between two unequal parties - the stronger setting the terms. This was the type of Covenant that was made between God and individuals such as Moses Abraham and Noah (sometimes testified to by physical signs) that had tremendous significance for countless generations to come. Noah: The covenant established with Noah' represented by the sign of the rainbow (Genesis 9:9-13)' was one sided promise that God would never again destroy the earth by flood. Abraham God's covenant with Abraham was again one-sided. The Father said He would give Abraham and his descendants the land for an everlasting possession.. Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go forth from your country, And from your relatives And from your father's house, To the land which I will show you; And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing; And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed." (Genesis 12:1-3 NASB)
It is believed that as a sign of the agreement they had made the participants walked between the two halves of the carcasses of animals that had been split from nose to tail. This was said to graphically illustrate the penalty for violating the covenant and why it is commonly known as "cutting" a covenant. The question is why in this case only one party - God Himself, in the form of a "smoking oven and a flaming torch" passed through the halves of the carcasses. (Genesis 15:17). What does this mean? It signifies that God alone took responsibility for fulfilling the terms of the covenant. It was as if God made a contract in which He promised certain benefits to Abram – namely, a land, blessing, and descendants – without any stipulations to be upheld by Abram. In other words, God made an unconditional and irrevocable covenant with Himself concerning the Jewish people (c.f. Hebrews 6:13-18). [05] This covenant was sealed with the physical sign of circumcision of all males from the age of eight days old. It was administered as an outward sign of belonging to the nation that the Father had made a covenant with. God said further to Abraham, "Now as for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. "This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. (Genesis 17:9-11 NASB) The covenant itself consisted of three interconnected and inseparable promises. The first two (repeated several times thereafter) were that Abraham would become a "great nation" and that "in" him all nations would be blessed. And yes, Abraham's "descendants" eventually referred not only to believing Jews but to all believers. For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, (Romans 4:16 NASB)
Certainly Abraham's spiritual descendants have become a "great nation". And all the families of the earth have been blessed through Abraham inasmuch as it is through Abraham's seed that the Messiah came to earth. Both Promises Were Literally Fulfilled. (As An Aside - The promises that Abraham's descendants would be made into a "great nation", and that "in him" all the families of the earth would be blessed have both been literally fulfilled. So why do we understand the promise of the "land" to be a type of a heaven to come, and not be literally fulfilled as well? No idea how the promise of earthly land became a promise of an unearthly heaven See What and Where is Heaven?)
Lets look at the third promise which was that Abraham and his descendants would be given an entire country for an everlasting possession. "I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojourning, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God." (Genesis 17:8)
So why exactly do we need any sign of the Abrahamic covenant? Two of the promises made to Abraham have already been fulfilled and the third one will be only when Christ returns with His saints and sets up His kingdom right here on (for want of a better word) renewed earth. Moses: The Mosaic Covenant was significantly different from the other two inasmuch as it was bilateral and conditional. God promised numerous blessings if they kept His laws and warned of dire consequences should they disobey (Deuteronomy 28). Because it was conditional there were no accompanying signs. In actuality it is this covenant made with Moses that we need to pay attention to simply because the New Covenant follows exactly the same format. Baptizing an infant make absolutely no difference to the terms of the New Covenant that exactly like the Mosaic Covenant in essence has God saying 'If you do this - I will do this'. Besides which, there is an extremely strong connection between baptism and the Israelites passing through the Red Sea. Because water baptism as we know it was unknown in Moses' time Paul was obviously using baptizo in its figurative sense when he spoke about Moses and the Israelites For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized (Gr. baptizo) into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:1-4 NASB)
Going through the waters of the Red Sea identified the Israelites with Moses mediator of the Old Covenant, leader, and guide to Canaan - the Promised Land. Similarly, by passing through water Christians identify themselves with Jesus Christ, our leader, mediator of the New Covenant, and our only hope for getting to the Promised Land. See more on Why We Are Baptized in the previous section.
A Dedication Ceremony?
Some hold that the baptism of an infant fulfills the same purpose as an infant dedication or blessing. Although it does not save, it identifies the infant as a member of a group. It is also supposed to be a pledge that the child will be brought up in a manner consistent with what the Scriptures teach. Kevin DeYoung, currently the senior pastor at Christ Covenant Church, in Matthews, North Carolina, writes
We do not believe that there is anything magical about the water we apply to the child. The water does not wash away original sin or save the child. We do not presume that this child is regenerate (though he may be), nor do we believe that every child who gets baptized will automatically go to heaven. We baptize infants not out of superstition or tradition or because we like cute babies. We baptize infants because they are covenant children and should receive the sign of the covenant. [06]
However, as said above the covenant made with Abraham was a one sided covenant. God's promised that He would give Abraham and his descendants the land for an everlasting possession.. That covenant was sealed with the physical sign of circumcision of all males from the age of eight days old. The New Covenant is not one sided. Like the Mosaic covenant it is bilateral and conditional. Just as God promised the Israelites numerous blessings if they kept His laws and warned of dire consequences should they disobey (Deuteronomy 28), the New Covenant promises eternal life to those who not only have faith in Christ but keep His commandments. The conditional nature of the New Covenant is why there can be NO "sign of the covenant". Besides which calling this ritual a 'baptism' is running several risks. As David Cloud points out infant baptism results in 1) a false security and 2) churches being peopled by unregenerate members. This because "Multitudes of people baptized as infants grow up thinking they are ready for Heaven even though they have never been born again through personal faith in Christ. They are trusting in their infant baptism and in their church membership. Such are deceived by the teaching of their own churches. In some churches the infant becomes a member immediately at the time of the baptismal ceremony. In others, the infant is not yet considered a full member, but is admitted as a member in later years without having to show evidence of regeneration. Either way, infant baptism results in those churches being filled with members who are not truly saved. [07]
Part II - Additional Arguments
Colossians 2:11-12 is often quoted: and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. (Colossians 2:11-12 NASB)
Paul making a connection between circumcision and baptism has led many to believe that just as babies in Old Testament days were circumcised, so babies in our day should be baptized. This is an attempt to read a preconceived idea into Paul's words. Paul did not say that circumcision and baptism accomplish the same thing. The words "made without hands", raised with Christ through faith" etc. is not describing baptism but salvation itself.
The New Testament Says Households were Baptized
But does that means at small children or babies were included?
Infant baptism is a doctrine by implication. Inasmuch as proponents of infant baptism say that when Scripture mentions that whole "households" received baptism, it is more than likely that those households included babies and/or very young children who must have been baptized along with the adults. Opponents say 'households' do not necessarily include very young children. The households mentioned are Cornelius and His Household (Acts 10)
In Acts 10:2, when Peter entered Caesarea Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. (V. 24). while Peter was yet speaking Gospel "the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message". Peter hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. (V. 44-48) When the Jews in Jerusalem wanted to know why Peter was associating with non-Jews he recounted the circumstances that led him to preach to Cornelius and his household saying, "And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning. "And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' "Therefore if God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?" When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, "Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life." (Acts 11:15-18 NASB)
Note: verse 17 specifically states that those who were saved and baptized were those who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Obviously this rules infants and young children out. The Philippian Jailer And His Household (Acts 16:30-34).
Because the text states that the jailer and his whole household believed there could not have been very young children involved, and after he brought them out, he said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house. And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household. (Acts 16:30-34 NASB)
Crispus and His Household (Acts 18:8). Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized. (Acts 18:8 NASB)
What stands out is that belief was a factor in every case. Cornelius' group believed and repented, as did the Philippian jailer and His household and Crispus and his household. Below a certain age, no child can believe or repent.. Similarly Jesus commissioned His disciples with the following words: And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 NASB)
The Greek word translated 'disciple' is mathetes which means learner or pupil. 'To disciple' is to teach or instruct. Making disciples therefore involves teaching people of the things of Christ and then baptizing them. However, a person has to be of a certain age before they can be taught the first thing about sin and salvation. As the Scriptures show over and over again, repentance and faith must come first, but both these are impossible for an infant or young child. Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit... So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:38, 41 NASB) But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike. (Acts 8:12 NASB) Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch *said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." (Acts 8:35-37 NASB)
Which brings us to the question ...
Faith Is A Requirement For Salvation. Can Infants Have Faith?
On the previous page it was established that baptism is not a requirement for salvation - faith and obedience are which brings up the question of whether infants can have faith. In answer to the question of why Lutherans baptize infants, the website of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod says
Lutherans baptize infants because of ... 1.) God's command to baptize (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). There is not a single passage in Scripture which instructs us not to baptize for reasons of age, race, or gender. On the contrary, the divine commands to baptize in Scripture are all universal in nature. On the basis of these commands, the Christian church has baptized infants from the earliest days of its history. [08]
They go on to say that although they do not claim to understand fully how this happens, they (Emphasis added) "believe that when an infant is baptized God creates faith in the heart of that infant". We believe this because the Bible says that infants can believe (Matt. 18:6) and that new birth (regeneration) happens in Baptism (John 3:5-7; Titus 3:5-6). The infant's faith cannot yet, of course, be verbally expressed or articulated by the child, yet it is real and present all the same (see e.g., Acts 2:38-39; Luke 1:15; 2 Tim. 3:15). The faith of the infant, like the faith of adults, also needs to be fed and nurtured by God's Word (Matt. 28:18-20), or it will die. [09]
But do the verses mentioned above actually substantiate what the church claims they do? In order to answer that question we are going to have to examine the verses very carefully beginning with... Matthew 18:6
Is referred to as evidence that infants can believe. It reads but whoever causes one of these little ones (Gr. mikros ) who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:6 NASB)
The assumption is being made that mikros means infant. Does it? Whenever mikros is used in the New Testament it means small in size, quantity, number or even social position. Thus it has rightly been translated 'little ones'. For example, Size: Zaccheus who was small (Gr. mikros) in stature couldn't see because of the crowd (Luke 19:3) and the mustard seed is the smallest (Gr. mikros) of all seeds (Matthew 13:31-32). Amount: Galatians uses the word in the context of a small amount and the author of Hebrews used it for a short period of time A little (Gr. mikros) leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. (Galatians 5:9 NASB) for yet in a very little (Gr. mikros) while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. (Hebrews 10:37 NASB)
Position: The following verses refer to how one was ranked either in society or in the Kingdom of God. I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet he who is least (Gr. mikros) in the kingdom of God is greater than he. (Luke 7:28 NASB) Now there was a man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great; and they all, from smallest (Gr. mikros) to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, "This man is what is called the Great Power of God." (Acts 8:9-10 NASB) Also see Acts 26:22
Additionally, when Jesus spoke of "little ones" (mikros) in Matthew 10, He was referring to the prophets and righteous men mentioned in the previous verse. "He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. "And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones (Gr. mikros) even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward." (Matthew 10:41-42 NASB)
Then in Matthew 18, The "little ones" (mikros) the Savior spoke about where the lost sheep He came to save, "For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. "What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? "If it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. "So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones (Gr. mikros) perish. (Matthew 18:11-14 NASB)
In fact, although mikros was used many, many times in the New Testament, it
NEVER EVER referred to a child. The Greek words used make it very clear that what Jesus was saying was unless one if converted and becomes LIKE a small child one will not enter heaven. And the other who humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Anyone who causes this person to falter is up the proverbial creek without the proverbial paddle. (1) At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" (2) And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, (3) and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like (Gr. hos) children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. (4) "Whoever then humbles himself as (Gr. hos ) this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (5) "And whoever receives one such (Gr. toioutos) child in My name receives Me; (6) but whoever causes one of these little ones (Gr. mikros) who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:1- 6 NASB)
The Greek words hos and toioutos means like this, similar to, this kind of, When you pray, you are not to be like (Gr. hos ) the hypocrites;... (Matthew 6:5) "Behold, I send you out as (Gr. hos ) sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as (Gr. hos ) serpents and innocent as (Gr. hos ) doves. (Matthew 10:16 NASB) With many such (Gr. toioutos) parables He was speaking the word to them, so far as they were able to hear it; (Mark 4:33 NASB) Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, "Whoever receives one child like this (Gr. toioutos) in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me." (Mark 9:36-37 NASB)
Acts 2:38-39; Luke 1:15; 2 Tim 3:15
The Lutheran Church also quotes three other verse in the effort to provide Scriptural support for the belief that infants have real faith although they can neither articulate not express it. None hold water. In fact, they are perfect examples of pulling out verses just to prove a point. However, when the texts in question are examined closely in context and minus denominational or other biases they do no such thing. 1. Acts 2:38-39 - Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 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." (Acts 2:38-39 NASB). (The Catholic Encyclopedia also quoted verse 38. Above) Note that Peter was responding to the question, "What shall we do?" and the first thing he told them to do is repent (Biblical Repentance does not just mean to feel sorry) The second thing Peter told them to do was be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Quite obviously as "they were pierced to the heart" they already believed what Peter had just said - God had made the Jesus whom they had crucified both Lord and Christ (Vs. 36-37). Then, without any unnecessary delay they were to be baptized as an expression of their belief. Because Jews were not baptized they were publicly embracing Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Additionally not only did chapter and verse numbers not exist in the original writings (they were added much later for convenience) but the oldest copies of both Testaments were written without punctuation that only came along several centuries after Christ. Therefore, if you remove the period between verses 38 and 39 (Immediately after Holy Spirit) it becomes abundantly clear that this part of Peter's message to the Jews on Pentecost was that they, their children, and all who are far off (the Gentiles) had the same promise, i.e. the Holy Spirit would be given to all who repent and are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. 2. Luke 1:15 - For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb. (Luke 1:15 NASB) For some unknown reason many Christians believe that every single promise in the Bible not only applies to the person receiving it at the time, but to all 21st century believers as well. This is about as ridiculous as it gets. In this case, the angel was speaking specifically to Zacharias about his yet unborn son, John who would be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb. If these words apply to all unborn children, then the first half of the sentence has to apply as well. But then how many people do you know who are "great in the sight of the Lord" and drink no wine or liquor. In fact, as the very next verse reads, how many are destined to "turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God".
We cannot pick and choose which of the angel's words apply to us and which do not. 3.2 Timothy 3:15 - and that from childhood (Gr. brephos) you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15 NASB) In context, Paul was speaking of evil men and impostors who, proceeding from bad to worse, deceive and are deceived. But, he tells Timothy "you continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of. See Context is CRUCIAL Since infants or very small children do not learn and become convinced of faith issues, verse 15 is simply saying that Timothy had been taught the Scriptures as soon as he was capable of learning anything. Considering the known faith of Timothy's grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, Paul was sure that Timothy was possessed of equally sincere faith (2 Timothy 1:5).
The Psalms
And please let us not quote the Psalms to establish doctrine. They are poetry and virtually all poetry is well known for its figurative language not meant to be taken too literally.. Poetry often uses dramatization or hyperbole to make a vivid and lasting impression - a colorful image of the thought the author was attempting to convey. Besides which, the Psalms themselves are often expressions of emotions and must be read as such.
Re-Baptism
It is not outside of the realm of possibility that there are circumstances in which a person may want to be re-baptized for which there is Scriptural precedent.
In one instance people were re-baptized after the circumstances of their first baptism were found to be 'insufficient' in some way. In Ephesus Paul encountered disciples who had already been baptized into John's baptism. Although even Jesus was baptized by John, Paul realized these men lacked essential understanding and he re-baptized them. It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples. He said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said to him, "No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit." And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" And they said, "Into John's baptism." Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus." When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying. (Acts 19:1-6 NASB)
This clearly demonstrates that unless belief in Christ accompanies baptism, it is not valid. This obviously includes anyone who was baptized at a very young age. Although being "baptized" as an infant may have meant the world to your parents at the time, it was pretty much a meaningless rite Both repentance and faith are prerequisites for baptism - neither of which you were capable of thus you should be baptized by immersion. People are also baptized for the wrong reasons. For example, as a prerequisite to joining a particular church, because everyone else is doing it, or in a flood of emotion after a particularly moving altar call. If you were baptized as an adult, you might want to ask yourself what your understanding of baptism was. While it is not necessary to have perfect knowledge of the Scriptures at the time of baptism, a basic understanding of sin and salvation is. When you were baptized did you believe that you were in sin, did you feel remorse and self-reproach for those sins and wish to change direction and become a follower of the Lord Jesus. And did you believe that your sins would be forgiven through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ? If you understood the basics, then there is probably no reason to be baptized again. If you are unsure, it is possible that you just got wet and might consider being re-baptized. There is nothing in Scripture that says you should not be immersed again. I was baptized in the Catholic Church as an infant but eventually realized it was a meaningless ritual - the only value being knowing what my parents and other relatives looked like all those many years ago. I was re-baptized by immersion in my mid forties. The two relevant questions you should ask are 1) When and how were you baptized and 2) what was your understanding of baptism at the time?
To Sum Up
Circumcision was only for males, but baptism is for both male and female. Circumcision was for unknowing infants, but baptism is for repentant believers. Circumcision was for Jews, but baptism is for any sinner that believes, whether Jew or Gentile. Circumcision was a work that was required on pain of rejection and death, but baptism is a testimony of grace that is done because of love for the Saviour. Circumcision was for all Jewish male children and had nothing to do with their personal salvation, but baptism, legitimately, is only for those who have believed in Christ and been born again. [10]
End Notes
[01] St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Catechism Of The Catholic Church. Second Edition.
http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1250.htm#:~
:text=Catechism%20of%20the%20Catholic%20Church,which%20all%20men%20are%20called.
[02] Baptism - One of the Seven Sacraments of the Christian Church.
https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/baptism#xii-effects-of-baptism [03] LCMS The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Frequently Asked Questions.https://www.lcms.org/about/beliefs/faqs/doctrine#baptism [04] R. Scott Clark. The Heidelblog! Yes, The Reformed Churches Do Baptize On The Basis Of The Abrahamic Promise.
https://heidelblog.net/2019/06/yes-the-reformed-churches-do-baptize-on-the-basis-of-the-abrahamic-promise/ [05] What Does It Mean to “Cut” a Covenant?. Christians United for Israel
https://cufi.org/resource/what-does-it-mean-to-cut-a-covenant/ [06] Kevin DeYoung. A Brief Defense of Infant Baptism. March 12, 2015. The Gospel Coalition, Inc.
https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/kevindeyoung/2015/03/12/a-brief-defense-of-infant-baptism/ [07] David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service. Infant Baptism. https://www.wayoflife.org/database/infant_baptism.html [08] The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. https://www.lcms.org/about/beliefs/faqs/doctrine#why [09] ibid. [10] David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service. Infant Baptism. http://www.wayoflife.org/database/infantbaptism.html | 
