Question 12: Why don’t you believe in the baptism of babies?

Answer: Many people mistakenly believe that baptism (whether by sprinkling or immersion) imparts a forgiveness of sins and assures them entry into Heaven. At no place in the Bible does it teach this concept. Acts 2:38 tell us “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” There is a key word “for” in this verse that has often been misinterpreted. Peter commanded people to be baptized “for the remission of sins.” The word “for” here means “because of” or “on the basis of,” NOT “in order to receive.” He was telling them to be baptized because they had believed in Christ and received forgiveness of their sins because of their belief. He was not telling them to be baptized in order to receive forgiveness of sins! Every example of baptism recorded in the Bible was always after an individual believed in Christ to save them from their sins (Cornelius/Acts 10, Lydia/Acts 16, the Philippian jailer/Acts 16, the Ethiopian Eunuch/Acts 8:29-40, etc.). Based on the record of the Bible, baptism should not occur until an individual believes by faith in Jesus Christ for their salvation. Obviously, an infant is unable to understand their sinful nature, repent of their sin and confess Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives. Because of this, they should not be baptized. A logical question that one would then ask is, “What happens to a child that dies before they are old enough to understand what it means to accept Christ?” At a certain point in a child’s life (which will be different for each individual), he becomes personally responsible for his relationship with Jesus Christ (i.e. “age of accountability”). Should a child die before this age, we are assured that that child will be in Heaven with the Lord. This truth is given to us in 2 Samuel 12:22-23. In this passage, David was mourning the death of his infant son. He had assurance that his son was safe with God and that he would one day go to be with him. We have that same assurance today – that our children are safe in the arms of God and those adults who have accepted Christ as their personal Saviour will one day be with the Lord and those children. I am comforted with the assurance that one day I will see a child of mine in Heaven that died before he/she was ever able to be born.