Topical Bible: Baptism: Administered to Scriptures Supporting Infant Baptism

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Introduction

Baptism, a sacrament of initiation into the Christian faith, has been a subject of theological discussion and practice since the early church. The practice of infant baptism, in particular, has been supported by various scriptural interpretations and traditions within the Christian community. This entry explores the scriptural basis for administering baptism to infants, drawing from the Berean Standard Bible and early church practices.

Scriptural Basis

1. Household Baptisms

The New Testament records several instances of entire households being baptized, which some interpret as including infants and young children. In Acts 16:15, Lydia and her household were baptized: "And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, saying, 'If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.' And she prevailed upon us." Similarly, the Philippian jailer’s household was baptized in Acts 16:33: "At that hour of the night, he took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized." These accounts suggest that baptism was administered to all members of the household, potentially including children.

2. Jesus’ Invitation to Children

Jesus’ welcoming of children is often cited as a theological basis for infant baptism. In Mark 10:14, Jesus says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." This passage underscores the inclusion of children in the kingdom of God, supporting the view that they should not be excluded from the sacrament of baptism.

3. Covenantal Theology

The practice of infant baptism is also supported by the continuity of the covenantal relationship between God and His people. In the Old Testament, circumcision was the sign of the covenant and was administered to infants (Genesis 17:12). Colossians 2:11-12 draws a parallel between circumcision and baptism: "In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands. And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead." This connection suggests that baptism, like circumcision, is a sign of the covenant and can be administered to infants.

4. The Promise to You and Your Children

In Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, he emphasizes the promise of salvation to believers and their children. Acts 2:39 states, "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." This promise is interpreted by some as an indication that the covenantal promise, and thus baptism, extends to the children of believers.

Early Church Practice

The early church’s practice of infant baptism is evidenced by writings from church fathers such as Origen and Augustine, who affirmed the tradition of baptizing infants. This historical practice supports the interpretation that infant baptism was an accepted and normative practice in the early Christian community.

Conclusion

While the practice of infant baptism is not explicitly detailed in the New Testament, the scriptural references to household baptisms, Jesus’ invitation to children, covenantal theology, and the early church’s tradition provide a foundation for its practice. These elements collectively support the view that infants are included in the covenant community and are eligible to receive the sacrament of baptism.

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The Religious Revolution
... apostate, an enemy of the Holy Scriptures, a tyrant ... in the German language (1521),
and administered Holy Communion ... faith as a condition for baptism and rejected ...
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part ii
... the Liturgy, Holy Orders, Matrimony, Baptism, Chrism, Holy ... of the Holy Sacrament,
which I administered to her ... Divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, by the ...
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part i
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